GILLINGHAM are being made to wait for Nicky Southall's return to Priestfield.

With his injury-ravaged squad down to the bare bones, player-manager Andy Hessenthaler was hoping to complete the loan signing of the Bolton midfielder in time for tonight’s match at Nottingham Forest.

But Bolton boss Sam Allardyce last night issued a terse "there's nothing in it,” in response to speculation that Southall was on his way back to Kent.

The news leaves Hessenthaler with no choice but to name an unchanged side tonight, though Southall’s situation could change in time for Saturday's home game against Sheffield United.

Key to the move is Southall’s agent Mark Curtis who also represents Allardyce and may be able to broker a deal in time for Saturday, though Gillingham will need help in paying the player’s Premiership wages.

Hessenthaler, meanwhile, is upbeat about his team's prospects tonight as eighth-placed Gillingham attempt a third straight win.

“We've done well there since I've been manager so we go there with confidence,” said Hessenthaler. “We believe the key will be to get at them early because the Forest fans tend to get on their players backs if things are not going well."

Forest are expected to make one change in midfield from the side beaten by Watford with Gareth Williams replacing Riccardo Scimeca who sustained a badly broken nose.