Benson would relish the chance to link up with Mackail-Smith once more

The pair were a force to be reckoned with during their time at Dagenham & Redbridge under boss John Still, with Mackail-Smith now close to agreeing a deal at Kenilworth Road.

Benson is keeping his fingers crossed that it happens too as speaking exclusively to the News/Gazette, he said: “I’m very hopeful, because he’s a very good player.

“I roomed with him in Portugal and was in his ear trying to persuade him to come and join.

“If we can add Macka to it then we’ve got a really good shout. We’ve got a good shout with or without Macka, but the extra quality always helps the squad.”

Although Benson hopes to be lining up alongside Mackail-Smith once more this term, he can understand why the striker has been biding his time.

He said: “Macka has played at Championship level and whether he feels he can still play at Championship level and wants to be given that opportunity that’s his decision.

“But all I can say to him is how good it is here, how much he’ll enjoy it and that’s what he could do with doing.”