Barry Fuller receives treatment on his knee injury at Hereford Picture: Barry Goodwin

by Matthew Panting

Gillingham defender Barry Fuller underwent successful knee surgery last week, according to manager Andy Hessenthaler.

Fuller went under the surgeon’s knife on November 1 to repair his cruciate knee ligament and will be out for the rest of the season.

Hessenthaler said: "Barry had his operation and is in a knee brace for a number of weeks.

"It is going to be a long haul for Barry. He has a young family and it’s not going to be easy for him.

"We saw him at the game on Saturday and will keep his spirits up. It was successful surgery and the surgeons were pleased with how it went."

The 27-year-old, who has made 151 appearances for the Gills since joining from Stevenage, is out of contract at the end of the season.

Midfielder Danny Spiller, meanwhile, is hoping to return to full fitness early in the New Year. He is due to have his plaster removed within the next fortnight and is then hoping to be six further weeks away from full training.