By Luke Cawdell

Gillingham manager Andy Hessenthaler believes he has a squad capable of automatic promotion – with or without new recruits.

The deadline for making loan signings closes next week and Hessenthaler has already started to make inquiries.

On the wishlist is Peterborough’s attacking midfielder Chris Whelpdale, while he also knows that his striking options are limited.

Whether or not he can make anything happen before the March 24 deadline, however, is not giving the Gills boss sleepless nights.

Hessenthaler, pictured, said: "If there was a possibility to bring in another striker it would be great but if it doesn’t happen, we still have a squad of players that can challenge for honours this year.

"I don’t think it is vital. We have Danny Spiller coming back from injury and players here at the moment are on top of their game."

The Gills remain light in attack, with little cover for Adebayo Akinfenwa and Cody McDonald. Dennis Oli is an option but he is not 100 per cent fit yet and young Stefan Payne is suspended.

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McDonald heads into Saturday's game at Burton with 19 goals already this season. The Gills have gone 11 games unbeaten in League 2 but lowly Burton will still pose problems, according to Hessenthaler.

"I don’t think you can look at the league table with them because they have so many games in hand," he said. "I’ve seen them a couple of times and they are a decent side on their day.

"Their home form is certainly better than their away form and it is going to be a tough one."

There are injury doubts over John Nutter (thigh) and Tony Sinclair (ankle), while Kevin Maher (foot) missed training earlier in the week.

Do you think Gills need to bring in a loan signing before the window closes? Have your say in our comments section below.