MARLON KING hobbled into Priestfield on crutches yesterday and almost certainly out of Gillingham's home game with Leicester on Saturday.

The striker suffered a knee injury late in the weekend 1-1 draw at Derby. Substitute David Perpetuini was ready to replace him but stayed put after King indicated he wanted to carry on.

But the full extent of the injury became apparent yesterday, leaving player-manager Andy Hessenthaler facing the prospect of being without his most potent striker against the side he rates the best in the Nationwide League, Division 1.

King, who had scored six goals in his previous seven games before Saturday's match at Pride Park, is also in danger of missing the FA Cup, fourth round tie against Leeds.

He will discover today how serious the injury is when he visits a specialist.

“I want all my best players available for the game against what I consider to be the best side in the league,” said the Gills boss.

“If Marlon is missing on Saturday then it will be a big blow but we'll have to wait and see what the doctor says because it might be something that will settle down quite quickly.

“At the moment we're just hoping that it's nothing worse than just a little twist. We're keeping our fingers crossed that there has been no damage to the cartilage.”

* Young Gillingham defender Richard Rose is to stay at Division 3 strugglers Bristol Rovers for a second month on loan.

* Former Gillingham striker and Wembley hero Andy Thomson will be reunited with former Gills boss Peter Taylor today at Hull after being released on a free transfer by Queens Park Rangers.

* Another ex-Gill, Mick Galloway, has joined Bank of Scotland, Division 3 newcomers Gretna from Carlisle. He had been on loan with Nationwide Conference club Hereford.