Dennis Oli returned from suspension and produced another eye-catching performance to help Gillingham to a crucial win on Monday.

Oli, pictured netting The Gills’ opener against Southend, revealed afterwards that he was playing through a painful injury.

He said: “I couldn’t wait to get back out there but during training I strained my hip flexer. It got better for the game but I felt it towards the end of the first half and I felt it tight at the start of the second half. As a precaution the manager took me off.

“I was enjoying myself out there and I was pleased we got the three points.”

Oli had missed the trip to Oldham after his first career red card meant he had to serve a one-game suspension.

“I’m not a nasty player and the red card was harsh,” he said. “I just couldn’t wait to get out there.

“The goal settled us down and we got into the flow of it. First half wasn’t as good but once we got one we looked like scoring at any moment and I’m just glad we got the other two goals after mine. It was brilliant.

“Curtis did all the hard work for my goal and I thanked him for it. He got a nick and it sat up nicely for me and I thought, ‘yeah, Merry Christmas’. It was a nice early Christmas present for me and I took it!

“I want to get a few more now. I’m getting a nice run up front and when I’m up there I just have to take my chances when I can.”

Oli will now have to nurse his injury and he’s confident it won’t keep his out.

“It’s quite painful and it’s an annoying injury as it’s hard to take off and dart left and right,” he said.

“I do heal quickly so hopefully I can be back quick and have a day or two training as well then be ready to go again – if selected.”

Oli’s current form and attitude is winning him favour with Mark Stimson and the player knows what it takes to get on side with the Gills manager.

“If you work hard for the gaffer he will give you the rewards and he will praise you all the way,” said Oli, who is playing for a new contract this season.

“You have to work hard with the ball and without it and that’s what I try and do all the time. It all comes with that work ethic.

“When you are on the ball you have to have quality as well but you have to work as hard as possible to get the ball back and that’s what I do all the time.”