Gillingham manager Martin Allen has told KSN how he was pleased to have seen striker Adam Birchall back playing football this week.

The 27 year old former Dover Athletic striker missed the whole of last season after picking up a serious knee ligament injury in the pre-season game at Welling United last summer.

Since then, Birchall has been working hard on his comeback and on Saturday he made his first appearance back in front of the Gillingham fans, playing for half an hour as the side beat Dartford 1-0 at Princes Park.

Speaking after the game, Gills boss Martin Allen explained how thrilled he was to see the former Barnet and Arsenal forward back playing:

“He had half an hour against Dagenham which was his first game after being out and we all gave him a standing ovation in the dressing room after the game.”

“I’m delighted for him and to see him play, he looked sharp and that was a big step forward. It’s a long year when you’ve been out that long.”

“It’s a long year and you’re worried, you’re tentative, you’re concerned, you’re not sure if it will hold up. He had two efforts on goal and he looked bright and that’s the Birchall I knew from a few years ago.”

“We do have to bring him along slowly and we need to nurture him. We have to work with him, but he’s got a lovely smile, a lovely attitiude, a lovely demeanour about him and we have to be patient and not rush him.”

Meanwhile, Allen went on to explain what fans can expect from new signing Ben Strevens after he signed on a free transfer after being released by Wycombe Wandrerers:

“Strevens did alright, but he’s always going to be doing that. He has been for years. He had a promotion with Wycombe and he’s got form and quality to play throught them. He can play wide left, wide right, in the hole or up front on his own.”

Both Birchall and Strevens will feature again in Gillingham’s next hugh profile pre-season friendly at Ebbsfleet United on Saturday afternoon, with the pair likely to start the game and play for an hour.