Andy Hessenthaler remains optimistic that striker Adam Birchall can see action this season despite scepticism from the player.

Birchall visited a specialist on Monday and posted a Facebook message saying that his hopes of a return by the end of the season were at an end.

He said: "Won’t be playing again this season can’t believe it. I am so frustrated but if the knee is not ready then it’s out of my hands."

Birchall has been out since pre-season, just days after signing from Dover, when he suffered a cruciate knee ligament injury.

But Gills boss Hessenthaler is still hoping Birchall can play some part of the campaign.

Hessenthaler said: "I got a text to say he had been up there and there was concern over some soreness around the stitching, where he had the operation, and they are going to have another MRI scan to determine what the problem is, if there is a problem.

"It might just be scar tissue that needs breaking down. That was the message I got. For him to say he will be out for the season isn’t something he should be saying.

"He shouldn’t be putting those things on Facebook.

"Deep down I thought he may be out for the season but you don’t come out and say it. That should be coming form the medical team if that’s the case. It’s come from him and I will have words with him because I am not happy.

"He will get a rap on the wrists because he shouldn’t be giving out information on his Facebook that the manager or the chairman don’t even know about and maybe not all of the medical team."