GILLINGHAM striker Tommy Johnson is tipping Marlon King to hit peak form within the next couple of months.

Johnson, the experienced former Derby, Aston Villa and Glasgow Celtic favourite scored his first Priestfield goal in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Sheffield Wednesday during which he struck up a rapport with King.

Fellow striker King, released last month from prison, still awaits a first league goal as he continues the difficult process of acclimatising.

Pleading for patience on King’s behalf, Johnson said: “It's been a difficult time for Marlon and that was only his second game. He is getting more and more frustrated with himself but I know he's going to come on leaps and bounds in the next couple of months.

“You probably won't see the best of him until then. He’s working hard in training and looking well. Now it’s a matter of him getting fully match fit.”