by Luke Cawdell

The arrival of Gillingham striker Adam Birchall on a month’s loan at Dartford is a win-win situation, according to manager Tony Burman.

Birchall, pictured, joined the Darts on an initial one-month loan and the 27-year-old made his debut as a second-half substitute in Tuesday’s 2-0 Blue Square Bet Premier win at Braintree.

Gillingham want the player to get some first-team football after he sat out the whole of last season with a serious knee injury.

Burman said: "Adam is a quality player but unfortunately he had a serious injury. He is fit, in terms of training, but needs match fitness.

"We were keeping an eye on his situation and Gillingham asked for our help. Adam can help us and we can help him get fit."

Burchall joined the Gills in the summer of 2011 but a serious injury in pre-season left him sidelined. He has only just returned to action and has made a few brief appearances for the League 2 club.

Darts, just outside the play-off places, host bottom side Hyde on Saturday.