New Gillingham strike Rene Howe pulled on a shirt for the first time in almost two months on Saturday and he’s desperate for more.

The 23-year-old, pictured, is hoping to see plenty of match action at the Gills after a frustrating time at parent-club Peterborough.

"I was very happy and grateful for the manager putting me straight in," said Howe. "I’ve always wanted that one team where I could live there, stay close and not have to travel 50 miles to get to training."

His previous loan move at League 2 Lincoln at the end of last year was cut short following a hamstring injury, but any doubts about his fitness were dismissed and he’s now ready for another 90 minutes in Tuesday's game against Hartlepool.

He added: "I’m not old, am I? Anyone who says they can’t do another 90 minutes shouldn’t be playing football because they’re not fit enough to do so.

"I’ve not played for two months but I’ve been training every day and it’s just my match sharpness. I think I’ll get that within the next few games and hopefully I can start providing some goals and some better play."

Howe, who joined the Gills on loan for the rest of the season last Wednesday, is eager to impress and earn a permanent deal somewhere after being continually farmed out on loan.

"I like everyone at Peterborough but they haven’t given me a chance," he said. "Come the summer I will be going back but if someone comes in for me and I am interested then I will have to look at that."