In-form Gills striker Danny Kedwell has welcomed the news that boss Martin Allen is chasing a new striker.

A big name arrival may mean Kedwell – with four goals in pre-season so far – will have to fight extra hard for a starting role but it’s not something he is worrying about.

“It’s a challenge and that’s what you have to have in teams,” said Kedwell (pictured).

“It isn’t worth having a set team and having players on the bench that aren’t able to come on and do it for you. If you have four good strikers competing at each other I am sure we will do well.”

Kedwell headed home the winning goal against local rivals Charlton to cap a good weekend for the front-man, who celebrated his 29 birthday the day before.

And he puts his improved form down to a different way of playing under Allen.

He said: “It has been going really well and the passing that we have got going this year has seen us moving forward instead of sideways, which I think we did a bit too much of last year. He has got us playing the way he wants us to play and I think it is working.

“All managers are different. He has come in and changed it around and we are playing the way he wants. He has obviously done a great job because we are unbeaten at the minute.

“He is getting me to stay in the box more. Last year I was running around trying to help the whole team. He said ‘stay in the box’ and that’s working as well.

“I’ve got a good record so far and I just have to make sure I carry it on into the season.”

Kedwell (pictured celebrating Gills' winner on Saturday) arrived at the club last summer having netted 26 goals for AFC Wimbledon in the previous campaign. He was unable to get near that tally last time around, although he still finished as Gills’ top scorer with 14.

Allen wanted to see a meaner, leaner Kedwell start this season and the striker has obliged.

“He asked me to put extra work in and it’s what I needed,” he admitted.

“It is all paying off and I am feeling good. I am feeling good on the pitch and in myself. I need to make sure I keep it up and I am sure I will. The gaffer will make sure I will.”

And for Kedwell the opening day of the season can’t come quick enough.

“I think we are ready and that’s shown in the last couple of games,” he said.

“The boys are buzzing and it is a really good atmosphere at the minute. The gaffer has given us the confidence and it is paying off.”