Simon King in action against West Ham in midweek Picture: Barry Goodwin

by Matthew Panting

Simon King has come back with more confidence from his loan spell at Plymouth.

The 28-year-old Gills defender made six appearances for the League 2 strugglers but a minor injury meant he has not played since October 8, despite appearing on the bench last weekend.

King captained the side against West Ham in the friendly on Tuesday and, with Garry Richards ruled out for 10 days with a hamstring strain, he could now be in Gillingham’s squad for tomorrow’s (Saturday) FA Cup first round tie at Bournmouth.

"He said he feels a lot better for it and is more confident in his own mind," said Gillingham manager Andy Hessenthaler.

"Simon looks fitter and it’s good that he has gone away. They liked him there but he is our player and we will use him.

"He had a light session on Monday, he trained last week with Plymouth and was on the bench for them.

"It was nice to see him in a game on Tuesday. I’ve not seen him for a couple of months and with Garry out, he gives us good cover."