Gillingham striker Adam Birchall will make it one step closer to first team action when he begins running on Tuesday.

The 27 year old former Dover Athletic forward has missed the first four months of the season with a knee ligament injury sustained in the pre-season friendly against Welling United.

Initially expected to miss most of the season, Birchall is defying the odds by returning to the training ground as soon as possible and beginning running again is the next step in his rehabilitation.

Knee ligament injuries are one of those feared most by footballers and the initial impact at the time saw Birchall stretchered off, just a week after joining Gillingham for an undisclosed fee.

Birchall’s impressive goalscoring record for Dover saw him arrive at Priestfield with huge expectation, and it will be an added bonus to Gills boss Andy Hessenthaler to see the marksman nearing a return.

With Frank Nouble ending his loan spell from West Ham United after Saturday’s league game with Bristol Rovers and Jo Kuffour set to return to Rovers just before the transfer window reopens, the return of Birchall could be a timely boost.

Even though Birchall will resume running on Tuesday, having recently overcome a bout of flu, the striker will still be out for some weeks to come as he looks to regain his fitness and match sharpness.