GILLINGHAM may have paid a high price for Sunday's dramatic 2-1 win at Millwall with the possible loss of midfielder David Perpetuini for the rest of the season.

Perpetuini fell awkwardly in the 39th minute of the match and may have damaged cruciate knee ligaments. The injury took the shine off Gillingham's six-point Christmas and a superb derby win.

"We don't know the full extent of the injury but it doesn't look too good," said player-manager Andy Hessenthaler. "We'll have a better idea when he has a scan. We're all keeping our fingers cross because David has been playing so well since he got back into the side."

The Gills boss, who was forced to come off on the stroke of half time with a calf injury,expects to be fit for Saturday's FA Cup tie with Charlton.

Hessenthaler confessed he was ready to settle for point at the New Den when Kevin James produced a spectacular 90th minute winner.

"It was a fantastic goal worthy of winning a local derby," he added. "I'm pleased for Kevin but he knows he must push on and maintain that kind of goalscoring form.

"I thought we were much the better side in the first half and thoroughly deserved the lead. But I was disappointed that we defended so deep in the second. But that's a six point Christmas and you really can't improve on that."

Millwall coach Ray Wilkins had nothing but praise for James's strike. "It was a wonderful goal," he said. "If I have a criticism it was that we allowed him to carry the ball much too far.

"Gillingham were much the better side in the first half but I thought we shaded the second."

Gillingham have lost out on the race to sign Cambridge striker Dave Kitson. The 23-year-old signed a two and a half year contract with Reading over Christmas after the two clubs agreed a £350,000 fee.

Cambridge will receive an initial payment of £150,000 with the rest depending on appearances.

Meanwhile, Gillingham could have striker Mamady Sidibe for longer than they expected before he leaves next month to play for Mali in the African Nations Cup in Tunisia.

The deadline for overseas players to join their squads has been extended to January 16 so he can face Sheffield United at Priestfield.