Brentford striker Nathan Elder may not be a gambling man, but even he is willing to put money on Charlie MacDonald finding the net on his return to action next season.

The 28-year-old former Southend man was the Bees’ leading scorer last season, but missed the run-in to the League Two championship title after suffering a serious shoulder injury against Gillingham.

Elder, who is recovering well from the shattered cheekbone he picked up against Rotherham, has enjoyed two trips to Las Vegas this summer - one with boss Andy Scott’s league winners and the other for a stag week with friends.

But, while the 24-year-old avoided the temptation to bet big time on the Strip, he reckons he would be tempted to put his mortgage on MacDonald returning with a bang when he finds full fitness.

“I think Charlie’s recovery is going really well, but he probably needs to take his time to make sure the shoulder is strong enough to play again,” he said.

“He is a quality player and I know, like me, he will want to prove a point when he gets back to that level.

“Knowing Macca I’m certain he will score in his first game back. I’m willing to bet on that.

“I doesn’t matter if it goes in off his shin or his knee, he’ll come back and find the net straight away. That is the sort of player he is.”

Elder is hoping to be fit in time to face former employers Brighton at Griffin Park on August 15, and not only will he be out to make his own statement, he’ll be out for the win bonus to pay for his summer of excess.

“It was nice to get away with the boys and let our hair down, but I have to admit I’m not much of a gambling man, “ he said.

“I like the roulette and black jack, but I always make sure I bet small, because then I can only lose small. I get the hump otherwise. I shouldn’t need too many bonuses to get it back.

“I didn’t get much of a chance at Brighton, but I still enjoyed my time there and am in touch with a lot of the boys there.

“Brentford is my only focus now. I’m dying to be fit so I can prove how much I’ve learnt here and how much I’ve improved as a player.”