ANDY SCOTT has tapped into know how from Formula One and Aussie Rules to help get Brentford ace Charlie MacDonald back into action ahead of schedule.

The 28-year-old former Southend striker who netted 18 times last season was expected to be out until the end of next month as a result of a shoulder injury.

But he came off the bench in last Saturday’s 2-0 defeat at Charlton five months after damaging a shoulder during the 1-1 draw with Gillingham last March.

And boss Scott revealed Formula One fitness work and a rugby-inspired shoulder brace have been big factors in his recovery.

“Charlie has seen a guy who works with motor racing drivers on their strength, neck and shoulders,” he explained.

“All the testing has been great. He had a three-week programme to get his shoulder up to the same strength as the other one.

“And he now has a brace we had sent over from Australia where they use it in Aussie rules and he’s found it helpful in training.

“He worked very hard through the summer and cancelled his holiday so he could concentrate on getting fit again, so he deserves all the praise.”

Meanwhile Brentford skipper Kevin O’Connor reckons Bees fans will soon see more of the passing football that brought last season’s League II title.

The long-serving 27-year-old defender said: “I think our natural game will return as we get more experience at this level, especially when we play on the bigger pitches like that at Huddersfield,” he said.

“At places like Charlton and Southampton you can’t hit the ball long.

“You can leave the front two isolated because you can’t get up and support quickly enough.

“Now we’ve got that extra experience under out belts, you’ll probably see us look to keep the ball more and be more positive going forward.

“It is probably quite a big step up from League II, but as long as the team works together as a unit we should do well.”

Meanwhile O’Connor’s fellow defender Alan Bennett is pushing for a recall at the Galpharm after recovering from a groin injury.

The 27-year-old former Reading man hasn’t played since the 2-1 home win over Norwich last month.

“It was disappointing to pick up the injury because I’ve missed some big games at some big stadiums, which is where you want to be playing,” he said.

“That is football though and you get on with it.

“The injury is coming along well. I thought it could be about six weeks, but it looks like I may be only three now, which is amazing and a credit to the physios here.

“I don’t want to rush it but I’m hoping I could be ready to be involved at Huddersfield.”