Nicky Southall on the ball against Dover on Saturday Picture: Barry Goodwin

By Luke Cawdell

Nicky Southall was back in the Gillingham line-up on Saturday for the first time since rejoining the club and boss Andy Hessenthaler hailed his performance.

The 38-year-old, who is now the club’s first team coach, played the full 90 minutes for Gillingham - his 376th appearance - in the humiliating 2-0 defeat by Dover in the first round of the FA Cup at Priestfield.

Hessenthaler said: "He was outstanding. I’m not saying it because he’s my coach but you never lose the class and he and Jack Payne were phenomenal."

If Southall can maintain his fitness levels, he could find himself playing more often.

Hessenthaler added: "It would be tough on him to play again but he’ll have a week’s rest and would play again if needed because he wants to help turn things around."