GILLINGHAM'S injured defender Mark Patterson, who has not played since tearing a hamstringduring the warm-up at Rotherham on February 26, is unlikely to re-appear for the first team again this season.

Meanwhile, the long-running saga surrounding Gillingham's interest in striker Nigel Pierre took another twist when the player decided to return to Trinidad after agreeing to play in a trial match at Priestfield.

Gills boss Andy Hessenthaler watched Pierre play for West Ham Reserves at Coventry a week ago and spoke to Hammers boss Glenn Roeder, his manager at Watford, about the chances of bringing him to Gillingham.

Gills were ready to organise a full-scale practice match to assess Pierre until the player opted to return home.

Hessenthaler is likely to persevere and could make another attempt to bring the striker back for pre-season training though Pierre has experienced well documented work permit problems.