GILLINGHAM'S first choice centre-back Chris Hope made his long-awaited return with 90 minutes for the reserves in a 3-1 win at Norwich on Wednesday and could be in contention for Saturday's match away to play-off hopefuls West Ham.

Hope, a long-term injury casualty, has not played since mid-February following a tackle by club skipper Paul Smith in training.

Although coach Wayne Jones insisted Hope was not assured of an immediate first team recall, he said: “Providing Chris shows no reaction to the injury, he will be considered.

"But the players who are in position at the minute will stay put until such times as they start playing poorly or get injured.

“I’m bound to say that Barry Ashby and Leon Johnson have been terrific together at the back. We’ve been extremely pleased with them.”

Jones added: "West Ham are as equally talented as the Sunderland side we lost to on Tuesday but we’re confident we can catch them out. It’s important we don’t show them too much respect. A point at Upton Park would be great."