Kevin Maher will be given more time to decide his future while interest from a League 1 club remains.

The midfielder featured in Gillingham’s first pre-season test against Stevenage on Tuesday and manager Mark Stimson is willing to let the 31-year-old continue to play and train with the side while he assesses his options.

Maher, who is a free agent, has been offered a deal by the Gills but is keeping his options open.

“Credit to him,” said Stimson. “He came and played on Tuesday night the right way. He would be a big person in my plans because he’s a very good footballer. We’ll try our best to get him to sign for us.”

Stimson meanwhile is expecting striker Delroy Facey to leave the club soon.

The Gills boss said: “He is speaking with the chairman and trying to negotiate something. There are two League 2 clubs interested in him and hopefully that will be resolved in the next couple of days.”

Stimson will keep trialists Leo Roget, Aiden Sainsbury, Alex Bailey and Alistair John at the club for Thursday’s game at Faversham.

John and Roget played on Tuesday and Stimson will give the pair more time to impress.

“I thought at times Alistair John excited people,” said Stimson. “Leo Roget hasn’t played for a few years and you could see that. He’ll play Thursday and Saturday and then he’ll need a decision from me.”