PLAYER-MANAGER Andy Hessenthaler has given a strong hint that Marlon King could be in Gillingham's starting line-up against Reading at Priestfield on Saturday.

After the striker had netted a consolation goal in the 2-1 defeat by Chelsea in the Worthington Cup, Hessenthaler said: "I'm delighted he's got that first goal under his belt and I hope it will be the first of many.

"He took his chance well, though to be fair I fancied Chris Hope to score direct from the free kick. As for Saturday's game, he has every chance of starting. We'll wait and see.

"Saturday's match is so important and I want everyone focused because I want to see us climbing the table."

Members of Reading's first team squad were in the crowd at Chelsea on Wednesday night on a spying mission ahead of Saturday's match.