Danny Kedwell is not worried about having to play the lone role up front for Gillingham.

Injuries and illness have left Kedwell as the club’s main fit striker and he has been spearheading the Gills attack on his own in the opening week of the season.

"It is hard work but it’s my job and I have to do that," said the striker (pictured), who bagged 26 goals for AFC Wimbledon last season.

"Adam’s [Birchall] injury is disappointing but I am sure the gaffer will get someone in soon. It’s going well at the moment so I don’t see why he has to but I am sure once we start to get going, we will be all right.

"Playing alone up front is harder because you get frustrated more, especially when they play the ball across the back like they did on Tuesday but you just have to be patient and work hard.

"I just have to do the job the gaffer wants me to do and I am willing to do that."

Kedwell has come close to scoring in both of the Gills’ opening games and at Brighton saw an early effort cleared off the line.

"I didn’t see the second man," he said. "I thought there was just one man there and had to just hit the target and it’s in but he has come in and cleared it. It’s one of those things and it will come soon. Once it does, I will get a few more.

"As long as I am getting those chances I know it is going to come soon and once it does, hopefully I will kick on and score loads."

Kedwell is targeting at least 20 goals this season and added: "It’s a step up for me and all forwards want to hit their 20-goal mark a season, if not it isn’t worth being a striker. That’s my target."

Defeat on Tuesday has not knocked Kedwell, or any of the players’ confidence, and they are determined to take maximum points at Crewe tomorrow (Saturday).

Kedwell said: "We did well against Brighton and they are a great side.

"They are in the Championship and we proved we can step it up when we go up against the big clubs.

"We have got something to be proud of and need to kick on now for Saturday’s game."

Picture: Barry Goodwin

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