Gills striker Dennis Oli was on the bench again at Stockport on Saturday and insists he’s "ready and waiting" should he be called upon for a starting role.

Oli has been used as an impact player in recent weeks and, although content to serve that role, he believes he can do a job from the start as well.

"I think I’m doing well but we’ve got some great strikers in the team and I just need to bide my time," said Oli.

"It keeps everyone on their toes when you have that competition and you have to take your chance when you are on the pitch.

"I just need to keep working hard and coming into work with a smile on my face. There is nothing better than playing football really so I can’t stop smiling."

Oli is playing the perfect support role for manager Mark Stimson and an example of how a player should react when not in the starting eleven.

He said: "Hopefully I’ve done enough (to start) but if I’m not then I won’t get down or anything. We have some great players and what will be will be.

"I’m not sure if I will play next weekend because Rene and Simeon did very well again. I just have to sit there, have a smile on my face and if I get a chance I need to take it.

"Coming on or starting I don’t mind, just being on the pitch makes me happy.

"It’s a team game. I’m just here ready and waiting should I be called upon."

Oli has made 52 league starts for the Gills and 29 substitute appearances. He came on for half an hour in Saturday’s goalless draw at Stockport and was satisfied with a point from a tough encounter.

He said: "They are battling for all the points they can get so we knew it was going to be a hard game.

"The pitch wasn’t very good either and we are happy to leave with a point and not a loss.

"At this stage of the season every game is going to be hard."