by Luke Cawdell

A shortage of attacking options could force Gillingham boss Andy Hessenthaler back into the loan market.

The Gills finished Tuesday night’s game with 17-year-old Ashley Miller (pictured) and transfer-listed forward Dennis Oli as the only strikers fit and able to play.

Hessenthaler saw Danny Kedwell last just 45 minutes of the Barnet game because of illness, having passed a late fitness test on his hamstring, while Gavin Tomlin (hamstring) and Jo Kuffour (knee) were also missing.

All three could be unavailable again this weekend to leave Hessenthaler with few choices ahead of the game against fellow play-off outsiders Crewe on Saturday.

"The way the forward line is at the moment we are struggling," admitted the Gills boss.

"Keds is struggling with illness and it’s knocked him for six.

"Tomlin is out and Kuffour is out. Dennis has staked a claim and football is a strange game. It could well be those two (Oli and Miller) upfront.

"Could I try and get someone in? I may do. If there is someone out there who can help us then we may do something because we only have to lose one more up top and we really are struggling."

Tomlin will be sidelined for most of March but there are hopes that Kuffour could return for the weekend after receiving anti-inflammatory injections to his knee.

"He could be a possibility but it is more likely (he’ll be back) for the Cheltenham game next weekend," Hessenthaler added.

Who would you like to see the Gills play up-top? Have your say below.