Brentford defender Jake Bidwell was always confident Clayton Donaldson would find his scoring boots, because he has to shackle him everyday in training.

Donaldson has found his feet in recent weeks after ending a barren spell in front of goal as the Bees begin a late surge for the play-offs.

Three goals in wins over Rochdale and Preston North End were added to by another strike – doubled by Jonathan Douglas – in Saturday’s 2-1 win at MK Dons, although he failed to net in Tuesday’s 2-0 win over Oldham Athletic when goals from Marcus Bean and Niall McGinn took the Bees to within five points of the top six.

While Saido Berahino and Gary Alexander have enjoyed goal bursts this season, manager Uwe Rosler has always maintained Donaldson’s value to the team.

But now he has started, Bidwell thinks there will be no stopping the former Crewe Alexandra man.

“A couple of weeks ago it was Saido putting them in and a few weeks before that it was Gary so I’m sure Clayton will come up with a few more before the end of the season.

“He contributes to the team, he’s always a threat and does a lot of unselfish work so I’m sure if he keeps doing that he’ll get his rewards in goals.

“When you play against the strikers week in, week out in training you know that if we can keep things tight at the back then there is always a chance they’ll put one in for you at the end that can win you the game.

“We like to give them a kick every now and then in training to bring them back to down to earth.

“Personally, I’m loving getting the chance to play first team football and I think I’m progressing as a player as well.”

The Bees are at home to Bury on Saturday and at Hartlepool United on Monday.