Adam Birchall is starting the long road to recovery after Tuesday’s knee operation was branded a success.

Surgeons operated on the Gillingham striker (pictured) to correct cruciate ligament damage in his knee which he sustained in a pre-season friendly at Welling.

Gills manager Andy Hessenthaler knows he will be missing the front-man long term, but was happy the operation went well.

He said: "The knee was in a bit of a bad way according to the surgeon but he said the operation went well.

"Adam will be in a knee brace for eight weeks but it was positive from the surgeon.

"We are pleased and let’s hope we can get him back on the pitch this season."

Birchall picked up the injury just a fortnight after joining the Gills for an undisclosed fee from Dover, where last season he netted 45 goals.