Gillingham boss Andy Hessenthaler would rather keep Simeon Jackson and let him go for nothing next summer – than cash in on him now.

Jackson, who joined from Rushden in January 2008 for £150,000, has one year left on his contract at Priestfield.

But the 23-year-old forward, who failed to score in any of the Gills’ final nine games when they were relegated from League 1, will form a big part of Hessenthaler’s plans.

"Simeon is a good player. He scores goals and is quick," said Hessenthaler.

"I saw him at Rushden as a player and believe I can make him a better player. If he scores the goals that get us back up into League 1 and (then) we lose him, then fair enough."

Jackson gained his ninth international cap for Canada during a 5-0 defeat against Diego Maradona’s Argentina on Tuesday.

Jackson started on the bench before coming on as a 66th-minute replacement for Rob Friend in front of a crowd of 66,000 in Buenos Aires.

Canada continue their South American tour against Venezuela tomorrow (Saturday).

If Jackson wins his 10th cap in that game it will leave him only one behind Ian Cox, who is Gillingham’s second most capped player.

Do you think Gillingham should cash in on Simeon Jackson now or keep him at Priestfield for another season? Leave us your comments below.