Gillingham striker Adam Birchall has joined Conference Premier side Dartford on a one month loan deal.

The 27 year striker has found chances hard to come by at The Gills this season, making just three substitute appearances for the club, having missed the whole of last season through injury.

Gillingham manager Martin Allen told the club website:

“In no way, shape or form is this the end of Adam Birchall.”

“After a long rehab and extensive training he needs games to play in before he comes back to join us.”

He added: “Without a shadow of a doubt he will be in our team and winning us games.”

“Andy Hessenthaler got it fixed up for us this morning to go to Dartford, who are doing well in their league, so it is a good team for Adam to go and join.”

“Adam really does need to play matches and with Robbie Findley arriving at the end of last week, this is the ideal time.”

Birchall was an unused sub as The Gills made it eight games unbeaten in the league with a 2-0 win at Port Vale and the signing of Findley on loan from Nottingham Forest for a month gives the former Dover Athletic striker the chance of first team football.

He will join a Dartford side full of confidence having won five of their last seven fixtures and is expected to make his debut as the Darts play Braintree Town away in the league on Tuesday night.

Dartford are currently seventh in the Conference Premier League following their promotion in the play-offs last season.