Josh Gowling has been offered a permanent deal at Gillingham and manager Mark Stimson is hoping for a decision by Monday.

Gillingham’s only other fit central defenders are Garry Richards and youngster Tom Wynter, and Stimson is keen to keep Gowling following a five-week loan spell from Carlisle.

"We need to get it done first thing Monday morning," said Stimson, who needs to start planning for Tuesday's game against Blackburn.

"We’ve offered what we think he is worth and what we can afford. If he is willing to take it on, fantastic, if he is not, then we are light in that area."

Gowling (pictured) has been forced to take on the left-sided central defensive role, a position not suited to the right-footer, but Stimson has been impressed by how he has adapted.