Dennis Oli fires home to level the scores at Priestfield Picture: Barry Goodwin

by Luke Cawdell

Dennis Oli scored a crucial goal for Gillingham on Tuesday night and received a glowing tribute from boss Andy Hessenthaler.

Oli was a surprise inclusion in the squad having been transfer-listed by Hessenthaler last month and told he has no future at the club.

But the 28-year-old came off the bench due to a major player shortage and scored an equaliser just a minute after his introduction. It was the platform that the Gills needed to go on and win.

It left Hessenthaler delighted.

The Gills boss said: “He showed everyone he is a true pro, a great lad, and he still believes in himself. My hat goes off to Dennis Oli.

“We have got a really good relationship and we are honest with each other. He could have easily gone out there and not tried because he has been told he has no future.

“He has nothing to prove to me and I know what an absolute top lad he is. He has shown to everyone that Dennis Oli is still alive and kicking and showed what a good player he is.”

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