Josh Gowling ended his loan spell at Lincoln on Saturday and returns to Gillingham with the feel of first team football in his veins.

The straight-talking defender, who turned 27 on Monday, left Gillingham because of a lack of action and has warned that his desire to play is just as strong as when he left.

"Sometimes it’s good to get away and get your confidence and belief back," he said.

"I’ve done that by going to Lincoln. Playing regularly has given me the extra confidence and I feel more like myself now.

"I’m not the kind of footballer who just picks up their wages and sits and watches a match.

"I’m not sure what lies ahead for me at Gillingham. I’m going to come back and see what happens but if I’m not playing then I won’t be happy.

"If I come back and the fans boo me then that’s up to them but I just want to play football.

"If I do get a bad reception that won’t be right. When you are a young lad do you want to be just sitting on the bench? I don’t think so."

Gowling played in Lincoln’s FA cup match against Hereford on Saturday. It was his sixth appearance for the club.

Lincoln were keen to extend the loan but Gillingham insisted their central defender returns to Priestfield.