A decision on loan star Dave Clarkson’s Brentford future will be made at the weekend – by hook or by crook.

The 26-year-old scored a maiden goal for the Bees in Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Carlisle United – a game which also saw him find the net at the other end.

Bristol City, Clarkson’s parent club, remain managerless at Ashton Gate leaving the striker in limbo over whether his future lies in west London or the west country.

Brentford striker Gary Alexander, who is back in training following an injury lay-off, is a way off full-fitness and Griffin Park chief Uwe Rosler still needs cover up front while he feels his way back.

Rosler is expected to pair Clarkson, man of the match at Charlton Athletic last week, with Clayton Donaldson against Scunthorpe United on Saturday.

And the manager should know by Monday where his on-loan frontman’s future short-term future lies – whether he scores or not.

“It always takes loan players time to get up to speed, because they haven’t been getting games, but Clarky [Clarkson] has gone from strength to strength,” he said.

“Gary has been back in training but not with the squad as yet because we don’t want to risk any set-backs.

“Dave’s future here depends entirely on what Bristol City want to do, what they need and where they are with getting a new manager.”

Meanwhile, Rosler has revealed new Jamaican international Marcus Bean – who made his Reggae Boyz debut in a 2-1 defeat to Honduras this week – and Northern Ireland midfielder Niall McGinn will not be rushed back into action.

“It is a credit to the players and the way we are playing that they are now getting some international interest,” said the manager.

“Hopefully, they come back free from injury, but we have done without them in the last two games and the players that have come in for them have done well.

“With other players coming back from injury there is competition for places.”