The news that crocked striker Adam Birchall was ready to start running again this week was a major boost for Gills boss Andy Hessenthaler.

Gillingham’s summer signing from Dover has been out injured since suffering a knee ligament injury in a pre-season friendly at Welling.

Birchall (pictured) hit 45 goals last season for Dover and Hessenthaler, who brought the striker to Priestfield on a three year deal, welcomed the news that he was beginning running again on his damaged knee.

“It’s exciting news for everyone,” said the Gills manager, who was at the same time remaining cautious.

“We are not getting carried away but I looked at the knee on Monday and it looked in good order. It looked the same in the other knee which is nice.

“It is a slow process. We will see how he builds up and if there is no reaction to that it would be lovely to see him on the training ground. When he gets out there it will be a lift for everyone.”

There is hope he could make a return before the end of this season.

“I would love to see Adam in a Gills shirt in a real competitive game before the season is out,” said Hessenthaler.

“I want it for him more than anything. He was chomping at the bit to come back into the Football League and he had that taken away from him. He is a strong character and I would love to see him out on that pitch because that’s where he wants to be.

“We all know he can score goals and he could be a massive signing right at the end of the season. But we don’t want to put any pressure on him. We want him to be right.”