Andy Hessenthaler is keen to make the loan deal for Jo Kuffour permanent.

The 29-year-old striker has signed on loan until December 30 from League 2 rivals Bristol Rovers.

Gills manager Hessenthaler has given the former Arsenal trainee the incentive of an extended stay at Priestfield if he impresses.

Hessenthaler said: "His deal runs until (the start of) January. He will be playing and then we can decide if we take it further. He gives us an option.

"If he does great, then it is a view to a permanent deal."

Hessenthaler tried to sign Kuffour before moving for West Ham’s Frank Nouble but the signing took a while to broker.

"It was always going to be difficult but we’ve managed to do a deal," said Hessenthaler.

"We are pleased we have him and he gives us something else."

Nouble’s initial loan spell expires after Gills’ trip to Torquay on October 15. Talks on an extension have yet to take place.

Asked about his future plans, Hessenthaler said: "We don’t know yet. We have Frank and we have Jo. All clubs need options in forward areas."

Hessenthaler, whose transfer budget was already stretched, may now consider sending some of his contracted strikers out on loan. Stefan Payne was an unused substitute at the weekend and Dennis Oli missed out completely.