By Luke Cawdell

Simon King could be back competing on the training ground in early November.

The injured defender has not played for Gillingham since their Wembley play-off win in May 2009 but manager Andy Hessenthaler is quietly confident he could be back in action before Christmas.

"We had good news on Simon King in that he will be back training in five weeks and that’s a boost," said Hessenthaler.

"We are buzzing with that and it will be like signing a new player. Come Christmas we could have a brand new player flying."

King (pictured) has had a number of setbacks since turning an already troublesome ankle in a pre-season game at Bromley in August last year. He is back training on grass now and Hessenthaler knows they can’t rush the recovery.

The Gills boss said: "Once he is in training you would have to think he needs another month after that.

"He would need a couple of reserve games under his belt but we certainly have to be very cautious about rushing him back because it’s been too long and we don’t want him having a break down on it."

How much have Gillingham missed Simon King in the heart of the defence? Have your say below.