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Gillingham manager Andy Hessenthaler set to unleash Jo Kuffour against AFC Wimbledon

08:00, 20 January 2012

Jo Kuffour
Jo Kuffour

By Luke Cawdell

Andy Hessenthaler is set to reintroduce seven-goal striker Jo Kuffour on Saturday.

Gillingham lacked spark at Shrewsbury the previous week and boss Hessenthaler is hoping his new signing can reinvigorate their promotion charge.

Kuffour (pictured) signed a permanent deal with the Gills late last week, having previously enjoyed a three-month loan stint. But he only returned to training this week after illness.

Hessenthaler can’t wait to bring him back into the fold ahead of the match with AFC Wimbledon at Priestfield on Saturday.

He said: "Jo is not going to be firing on all cylinders but we are keen to have him back and involved.

"If he is only 75-80% fit, then I can live with that, even if it means he can play only 70 minutes and we have to take him off. If that’s the case, then so be it."

Hessenthaler will partner Kuffour with 11-goal leading scorer Danny Kedwell, if the latter recovers from a cracked rib. Kedwell is rated 50-50 to play, having also missed last weekend’s 2-0 defeat at Shrewsbury. An alternative for Hessenthaler would be to partner Kuffour with newcomer Gavin Tomlin.

"Gavin has looked bright and we have a few more options this weekend," added Hessenthaler.

The Gills will welcome back Joe Martin from suspension, allowing Danny Jackman to vacate the left-back position and return to midfield but both Matt Lawrence and Charlie Lee were nursing ankle injuries.

Who would be your first choice front two? Have your say below.

Kent Matchday Live
Kent Matchday Live
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