GILLINGHAM captain Paul Smith has earmarked the club's opening home game of the new league season against Derby on August 16 for his comeback from injury.

The midfielder, whose importance to the side has been underlined by his absence from the club’s pre-season preparation, is convinced he will be ready to face the Rams after undergoing surgery on June 10 to repair a torn cartilage.

He sustained the injury in last season’s final game after colliding with Crystal Palace goalkeeper Andy Kolinko.

At first Smith believed he would be ready for the start of the new season but his continued absence from pre-season friendlies, caused by inflammation, raised fresh doubts until the club conceded this week that he would not be ready.

Despite the setback, Smith, whose career has been relatively injury-free, is upbeat about the new season. He said: “Running is no problem, I can run all day. ,It’s the ball work that I can’t do and for that reason I can’t see the gaffer playing me on the opening day against Sheffield United nor in the Carling Cup tie against Cambridge on the Tuesday.

“However, I’m hopeful that I could be ready to face Derby. The youth team have got a friendly at Billericay on August 4 and I’m hoping for a run-out in that game.”