A mis-timed tackle five months ago left Gillingham midfielder Danny Spiller sidelined but now, with a return to the team in sight, he has voiced his desire for the physical side of the game to remain.

A number of high-profile incidents in the top flight of football have seen referees reach for the red card at the sight of a forceful challenge.

But Spiller (pictured) does not want the officials to take away what is a key part of the game.

"We need to keep tackling firmly in the game," said Spiller, who needed surgery following a challenge by Southend’s Anthony Grant in mid-September.

"Referees are becoming a bit picky now because they are constantly being assessed from the stands. It’s hard for them out there, but at the same time they have to understand that football is football and we all love a tackle from time to time.

"I actually got hit in front of my shin but it was my ankle that suffered an injury. The studs caught in the turf. My ankle went back into the joint and chipped some of the surface away.

"That chip needed taking out, and while I was having that surgery they advised me to have my ligaments tightened as well, as they were a little loose on my right ankle. I thought it best in the long run to get that sorted there and then. That’s why I was out for a little longer than expected."

Spiller is in full training this week, hoping that the long re-habilitation is over and that a recall to the side will come tomorrow (Saturday) at Burton.

If he is not back for the Burton trip, then he could be coming face-to-face with Southend and Grant again on Monday night.

How big a boost would it be for Gillingham to have Danny Spiller back?