Gillingham boss Andy Hessenthaler says he will struggle to keep Adebayo Akinfenwa and Cody McDonald at Priestfield Picture: Barry Goodwin

By Luke Cawdell

Andy Hessenthaler admits keeping his strikeforce together for another season may be difficult.

On-loan striker Cody McDonald ended the season with 26 goals to his name while partner Adebayo Akinfenwa rattled in 11 and contributed to many more.

The Gillingham manager wants to keep both players but with League 2 football at Priestfield again next season both may now receive better offers.

Hessenthaler said: "It will be difficult. We have already said that we perhaps needed to go up to keep Cody.

"He has expressed his interest about staying but that’s really out of our hands. It’s going to be very difficult to keep hold of him."

McDonald spent the season on loan with the Gills after joining from Norwich as a sweetener when the Championship side bought Simeon Jackson last summer.

The Gills will also face a tough time keeping Akifnewa, as his contract expires this summer.

"It’s been a phenomenal partnership and let’s hope we can keep the pair of them," he added.

Are you optimistic Gills can keep McDonald and Akinfenwa? Who should come in if they leave Priestfield? Have your say below.