Gillingham manager Mark Stimson insists that striker Simeon Jackson can only benefit from a summer of international football.

Jackson made 49 appearances for the Gills last season and rounded off the season with the winning goals in both the play-off semi-final and final.

Just a week after scoring the winner at Wembley Jackson was on target for Canada, on his senior international debut against Cyprus, and he could now be in line for a place in the country’s CONCACAF Gold Cup squad.

Fears of the 22-year-old burning out were brushed aside by the Gills boss.

"It will do him no harm," said Stimson. "If you’re scoring goals and playing for your country you don’t burn out, you ride the wave and you get a buzz on it.

"He’s a young kid with young legs and his fitness levels are fantastic. The best way to keep sharp and fit is to play games."

Canada head into July’s competition without any warm-up games and Jackson will be hoping to get the call to represent his country when they open the tournament against Jamaica in Los Angeles on July 3.

El Salvador are their next opponents in Miami on July 7 before ending their group matches against Costa Roca three days later at the same venue.

The striker is likely to find out late next week if he’ll be part of the squad.