GILLINGHAM manager Mark Stimson admits they may struggle to compete for the services of star striker Chris Dickson.

Dickson's goal on Tuesday night was his seventh in nine appearances since joining on loan from Charlton and Stimson knows that others will have taken an interest in the player.

Stimson said: “We would like to keep him but there are some big clubs probably looking.

"The sad thing about him scoring goals is it ups the value and every time he puts a goal in it pushes it higher and higher. All we can do is show him what we’re all about.”

Dickson’s loan deal expires after the Hartlepool game at the end of the month. Gillingham will be able to extend it for another month but after that they will need to assess their options.

“He’s a big player for us,” said Stimson. “We can take him for another three or four weeks and that’s all and then a decision has to be made.

“The more he scores the harder it’s going to be for us to keep him as obviously bigger fish will be out there looking at him.”

Stimson will be hoping the arrival of Leroy Griffiths and Dennis Oli will help keep the striker a little longer at least.

He said: “They all know each other already and down in the changing room the banter between the three of them is fantastic.

"It’s a pleasure to walk into the changing room and see three people smiling and enjoying their work. Hopefully that might be a key factor for us.”