Barry Fuller initially injured his knee against Macclesfield last season. Picture: Andy Payton.

By Luke Cawdell

Gillingham manager Andy Hessenthaler has told crocked defender Barry Fuller to concentrate on recovering before worrying about the future.

A knee injury will keep Fuller sidelined until the end of the season, when his current Gills deal will expire.

Hessenthaler said: "That’s the concern for the lad and it will be for the family.

"Barry has been terrific since I came back to the football club and it is devastating news.

"That will be going through his mind but I have sat down and had a chat with him and told him not to worry about anything at the moment, let’s just get this operation done asap.

"Let’s repair the knee and then let’s start the rehab. Don’t worry about anything else. We won’t be talking about contracts or anything, let’s get the lad operated on."

Fuller, who signed for the Gills in January 2008, initially picked up a knee injury towards the end of last season in a game against Macclesfield.

He returned in great form for the start of this campaign, despite missing the early part of pre-season, but was playing on through the pain.

Is Barry Fuller worth a new deal despite the fact that he won't play again this season? Have your say below.