Brentford striker Charlie MacDonald reckons the number of mouths he has to feed means he is keen to get his Bees future sorted sooner rather than later.

The father of three sees his contract expire in the summer after what will have been two successful years at Griffin Park since switching from Southend.

Boss Andy Scott has told the former Charlton Athletic trainee he would like him to remain at the club beyond the end of the season, but is awaiting the outcome of a board meeting on February 25 to determine the offer he can make the self-styled fox-in-the-box.

MacDonald has barely missed a game since returning from the shoulder injury that saw him sit out the League Two title run-in last season.

And the fans favourite admits life at the Bees couldn’t get much better.

“The gaffer has told me that he doesn’t want me to leave. I’m enjoying it at Brentford and am enjoying playing for him,” he said.

“He’s waiting on a board meeting to rubber stamp the offer he can make and until then I’ll have to wait and see what is on the table.

“I’m not getting any younger and I have my family and future to think about. I’d rather get this sorted sooner rather than later so I can concentrate on my football.

“Winning the title in your first season isn’t a bad way to start your career at a club off the ground and its been going great.

“I’m definitely happy here and I’m settled, but whether I stay or not depends on what is on the table.”

MacDonald has appeared in 26 of Brentford’s 35 games this season since returning from injury as the Bees have climbed the table as they have adapted to life in League One.

But the 28-year-old insists he and the squad cannot afford to rest on the laurels they have gathered during an impressive run of form since October.

And he reminded fans and team mates there is a way to go before the Bees are assured of safety - let alone any thoughts of a play-off challenge.

“We are where I thought we would be at this stage of the season, but I would say I have been surprised by the way we have applied ourselves against the so-called bigger teams,” he added.

“We have to understand we have no divine right to beat the teams below us and around us. We must apply ourselves in the same way.

“I wouldn’t say I’m an established League One player and I wouldn’t say we are an established League One side.

“You need to be playing at this level regularly for two or three seasons before you can say that.

“The team spirit has been amazing and that is what has given us an edge. We are all prepared to work for each other and it has got us this far.”