by Luke Cawdell

Former Gills coach Nicky Southall predicts that Adam Birchall and Danny Kedwell will form a formidable strike partnership at Priestfield this season.

First-team coach Southall - who departed the club in the wake of Andy Hessenthaler's removal as manager in May - predicts Birchall (pictured) could fire 20 goals for the Gills, despite missing his entire first season with the club following an horrific knee ligament injury in a pre-season friendly at Welling a year ago.

Southall said: "We brought Adam Birchall into the team and he is a great mate of mine.

"I am just really excited about seeing him team up with Danny Kedwell and forming a partnership. Hopefully it will be a formidable one."

He added: "It was a really exciting prospect with a couple of local boys playing for their local club and then we had Adam's tragic injury.

"Hopefully he will come back stronger and better and hopefully he can get on the scoresheet regularly for Gillingham next season and into double figures, if not 20."

Do you think Birchall will live up to Southall's expectations? Have your say below.