by Luke Cawdell

Gavin Tomlin insists the Gillingham supporters should ignore his past record as he sets about proving he can be a hit in front of goal.

The striker joined the Gills on loan from Dagenham last week where this season he has failed to hit the target in 22 appearances.

He puts that down to playing in an unfavourable position and hopes joining Gillingham can give him a new lease of life.

"I want to prove myself as a striker and to let everyone know that up front I can definitely score goals," said the 29-year-old.

Tomlin (pictured) spent last season on loan at Torquay and his performances and goals there helped fire them into the League 2 play-offs.

He said: "I did well last season (at Torquay) because I was playing regular football and I was playing up front. In previous teams I have always been put out on the wing for some reason. I don’t mind sometimes but it can be frustrating.

"I had the same at Yeovil. I was scoring goals and then I got moved to the wing. It happened in both seasons I was there. I can score from the wing but I think striker is my main position.

"That is what happened at Dagenham. I was playing on the wing, bar two or three games, so my record doesn’t look too good as a striker but nobody knows I have been playing in midfield and on the wing for the majority of the games."

Tomlin came on a substitute for the Gills in their defeat at Shrewsbury on Saturday in what was his first action in a month.

Despite the lack of games he is feeling fit and ready to go this weekend against AFC Wimbledon.

"I enjoyed my first game and I am raring to go," he said. "I can’t wait to start a game, whenever that may be, and I can start scoring goals.

"I may need a couple of games to get to my full fitness but I think it is adequate enough to last the 90 minutes."