Gills boss Andy Hessenthaler has admitted he wants to sign hat-trick ace Jo Kuffour on a permanent deal.

The on-loan Bristol Rovers star gave Gills a 3-1 half-time lead against Northampton Town on Saturday before Danny Kedwell claimed an injury time penalty winner for the home side.

Speaking after the game, Hessenthaler said: “Jo’s too good for this league but we’re delighted we’ve got him. Let’s hope that we can do a deal in January.”

That will be great news for Gillingham fans who have taken to the diminuitive striker with his goals proving to be just what’s required at Priestfield.

On the downside, it has been revealed that both Kuffour and on loan striker Frank Nouble will miss Saturday’s FA Cup tie at Bournemouth as neither Bristol Rovers or West Ham United will let them become cup-tied.

“It is a shame. We’d love to have them but we can cope with that and we have to.” said Hessenthaler.

Meanwhile, Sky Sports are reporting that Charlton Athletic are lining up a move for Jo Kuffour in the January transfer window.