GILLINGHAM striker Tommy Johnson’s stop-start season was back on hold today following fresh injury problems.

The former Derby, Aston Villa and Celtic favourite is facing five weeks on the sidelines after a scan revealed he had broken a metatarsal following a collision with team-mate Mamady Sidibe during the 1-1 home draw with Stoke on November 30.

“It's a big disappointment for Tommy because he’s worked so hard in training,” said Gillingham physio George Johnson. “Now we're looking at four to five weeks of rehab before he’ll be back playing.”

Since his summer move from Kilmarnock, Johnson, 32 next month, has been plagued with persistent injury problems which have curtailed his Gillingham appearances to five starts.

Having moved to the area and settled in a new home at West Malling, near Maidstone, following the arrival of a new baby, Johnson believed the worst was behind him until the scan revealed the break in his left foot.