Gillingham manager Andy Hessenthaler was delighted to hear Cody McDonald announce his desire to stay put, but admits he is reluctant to approach the striker’s parent club, Norwich City.

McDonald (pictured) has a year left on his Carrow Road contract and Gillingham know that the Championship club could scupper any plans they may have of holding on to the 22-goal striker beyond this summer.

Asked if he had made an official approach to Norwich, Hessenthaler admitted: "I am nervous to do it.

"We will keep it as it is and see what happens because Norwich have the chance to go up and we have the chance to go up.

"I certainly haven’t had any conversation with Paul Lambert (the Norwich manager)."

After Sunday’s 2-1 win at Cheltenham, McDonald hinted that he would like to stay with the Gills permanently.

"It is great as a manager to hear that because obviously he must be enjoying himself," Hessenthaler said. "When you get a quote like that coming from him we are doing something right and it makes us feel good."

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