GILLINGHAM'S David Perpetuini, scorer of a wonder goal at Crewe last weekend, is sweating on a new deal.

Perpetuini, who signed for £100,000 from Watford in August, 2001, is keen to extend his stay at Priestfield.

He is one of several players whose contract runs out at the end of the season. Paul Shaw and Rod Wallace are also seeking new deals but money is scarce at Priestfield with Gills having debts of around £7million.

Perpetuini, 24, was challenged by Gills player-boss Andy Hessenthaler to produce the goods on a more consistent basis to keep his place in the side.

Indeed, he was only re-instated to the starting line-up as Hessenthaler was suspended. He said: “Nothing has been said as yet contract wise.

"It’s certainly getting no easier so you’ve got to be playing and doing well to give yourself as much chance as possible. I'm happy here so I want to be playing as much as I can.”

Hessenthaler has laid down the gauntlet to Perpetuini and added that Gills could be a promotion-seeking side.

He said: “We have got players in this squad who can perform and we are close to being a really good side but we just need that bit of extra quality up front.”

Hessenthaler returns to the squad for the visit of Preston this weekend.