GILLINGHAM manager Mark Stimson will attempt to keep top-scorer Chris Dickson until the end of the season.

The striker reaches his maximum short-term loan limit at the turn of the year but the club could still extend his stay with a new longer term deal in January.

Stimson knows it is a long shot, after seeing Dickson's reputation soar since the striker arrived on loan from Charlton, but after two more crucial goals on Tuesday, the Gills boss is determined to keep him for as long as possible.

"Only six months ago he was playing in a division nobody had ever heard of but his winning goal at Crewe was outstanding," said Stimson.

"If he can go back to Charlton and get into the first team, then fair play to him but if he doesn't and there's a possibility we can bring him back, then great.

"We'll have to wait until we get to January 1 but we might be able to get him on a half-season deal."

Dickson has scored 10 goals in 12 games for Gillingham and Stimson felt his performance at Crewe was his best yet.

* See Friday's Medway Messenger for the full story and all the latest Gills news.