Gillingham manager Andy Hessenthaler has spoken of his delight at the turnaround in the fortunes of central defender Josh Gowling.

Gowling’s career with the Gills looked to be uncertain back in November, when he joined Lincoln on a one-month loan, but he’s returned and is proving unshakable in defence.

Hessenthaler admitted he and Gowling (pictured) didn’t see eye-to-eye at first but that he had now formed a different opinion of the 27-year-old.

"He’s come back (from Lincoln) and been tremendous," said Hessenthaler.

"He’s been a big part of the reason why we’ve been getting clean sheets lately.

"We had differences when I first came to the club and he was in and out of the side. He didn’t know me and I didn’t know him other than reports.

"People say about his attitude but for me it’s been first class. It was just his consistency in his performances at times."