MARK SAUNDERS will seek urgent talks with Gillingham chairman Paul Scally over a new contract when he returns with the squad this weekend from La Manga. Though player-manager Andy Hessenthaler is keen for his fellow midfielder to sign a two-year extension to his existing agreement, which expires next summer, Saunders is unsure about his future prospects at Priestfield.

Though hugely popular with fans because of his combative style, he has made only one start this season, despite influential support from skipper Paul Smith who has made no secret of his respect for Saunders as a midfield partner.

Saunders, 30, was due for talks with Mr Scally last Monday but the appointment had to be cancelled. The players left on Tuesday for a break in La Manga.

Saunders, who married in the summer, is looking for long-term security for his wife and baby son. "The manager has said that he wants me to sign a new contract which I'm happy to do because I like being at Gillingham," said Saunders.

"There has been talk of me being offered a two-year extension which would be fine because we're well settled in the area. But I need to be playing regularly at this stage of my career. I've proved in the past what I can do when I get an extended run the side and I know I can score a goal or two.

"Hopefully, we can sort out something when I get back. I'm not asking for fortunes, I just want security."

Saunders could be handed a recall in his favoured midfield position for next Tuesday's Worthington Cup, third round, tie against Premier League Southampton.