CHARLIE MACDONALD reckons Brentford have enough firepower left in their locker to sew up promotion in his absence.

The striker dislocated his shoulder, ironically in injury time, during Saturday's 1-1 draw with Gillingham.

An initial scan on Wednesday failed to reveal the extent of the injury, and another was lined up for yesterday afternoon, after the Gazette had gone to press.

But if his worst fears are realised, MacDonald still believes the goals will flow from his fellow strikers in the final League Two promotion push.

He said: "I'm confident the lads we have can finish the job we started. We have had Billy Clarke and Damien Spencer come in and Marvin Williams can play up front too.

"I haven't played enough with Sam Williams to forge a proper partnership, but he has shown he knows where the net is.

"Billy has looked quality in training and is a very tidy player, while Damien is of a similar build and size to Nathan Elder, who we have really missed since Nathan has been out, and will allow us to switch to a more direct game if needed."

MacDonald reckons boss Andy Scott must have run over a few blacks cats on the way to games, given the amount of injuries to his star strikers in recent weeks.

Jordan Rhodes and Nathan Elder have both been ruled out for the season in last few weeks.

It will come as a pleasant surprise if MacDonald doesn't follow suit.

He said: "With three of us getting serious injuries in the last four weeks, I don't think the injury gods are smiling on us at the moment.

"But then, we have been quite fortunate with injuries for most of the season. They all seem to be coming at once."

The irony is, it was a nothing challenge by Gillingham's Simon King which led to the injury.

But MacDonald does not blame the Gills man for his misfortune.

He added: "I just remember playing the ball off him for a throw-in, and he swept my standing leg.

"I hit the ground on my forearm, and all the pressure went up through my elbow and to my shoulder.

"I could feel straight away something was wrong and the shoulder bone was not where it should be.

"But it was not a malicious challenge, so I don't hold a grudge."

Brentford visit Bradford City, who have not won in five games, drawing one and losing four, this coming Saturday.