ADRIAN PENNOCK has set his sights on a return to Gillingham's first team squad before the season's end after taking the first steps in his comeback for Gillingham Reserves.

Five months after sustaining career-threatening ruptured cruciate ligaments in his left knee at Birmingham, Pennock took to the field at Priestfield yesterday to a warm ovation from supporters. He played the final 30 minutes in a 1-1 draw and is now preparing for another reserve team outing against Luton on Monday.

"I didn't go silly and just eased my way back gently," he said. "I made a couple of interceptions which I was pleased with and felt pretty good. But I'm not getting carried away because I still have a long way to go.

"I'm hoping to get another game on Monday and if I can continue to progress then I would like to think that I can break back into the first team squad before the end of the season."

He admitted: "When you've been out for a long time through injury, you're nervous when you play your first game. But the reception I received from the supporters really lifted me and I can't thank them enough for turning up.

"Peter Taylor was at the game and he wished me good luck, which was nice. I've had terrific support from so many people which I really appreciate.

"The knee feels sore but then I expected that. I think it's always going to be sore."