The 29-year-old is yet to make his first appearance in a Gills shirt because of a slight hamstring strain but insists he is closing in on a return - and could feature against Ipswich or Birmingham this week.

He told the club's official website: "The injury is progressing really well - I should be back in the next week or so.

"I am trying to push myself to feature in the friendlies this week but you have to see how your body reacts on a daily basis.

"It's been frustrating for me as I wanted to come in and make an immediate impression but I haven't been able to feature in the games.

"It is all about coming back and getting fit. I haven't got to worry too much about playing catch up as I am naturally fit. Hopefully I can get three or four games under my belt in pre-season and be ready to go against Bournemouth on August 9."