Gillingham manager Andy Hessenthaler has no interest in hijacking Andy Pugh's exit from Welling United.

The livewire striker - a product of the Gills youth system - has scored 19 goals this season and he is expected to sign for Cambridge United in the coming days.

Hessenthaler is focusing on transfer targets elsewhere, however, but is well aware of the talent on his doorstep.

"We know Pughy and he has obviously done very well at Welling," said Hessenthaler.

"I think he is one to keep an eye on at the moment. You have to think about partnerships and I think Keds and Pugh may not be the right partnership."

Pugh (pictured) was released from the Gills in May 2010.

"He has obviously left here and done very well," said the Gills boss. "Some players go away and they need that non league experience for a few years and they come back and Pugh will be the same. We keep a lookout what's going on and it's important to do that."

Another player making waves in non-league is Margate's Kwesi Appiah.

He has hit 33 goals this season for the Ryman League side.

Hessenthaler said: "He spent time at Ebbsfleet and Peterborough and we know a bit about him. He is banging the goals in and attracting attention."

The Gills boss, meanwhile, has agreed to extend the loan of young defender Jack Evans who has been playing for Welling.

"It's good for Jack and he is doing really well there," said Hessenthaler.

Another player on loan, Connor Essam, could also get more game-time with Dartford. His deal expires after this weekend.

The Gills boss said: "Connor has done very well. We will see if we extend that for another month but we will put recalls in there if that's what we decide. It is good for them because they are getting games."

Several other young professionals and second year scholars could be set for loan moves away from Gills in the coming weeks.