Justin Edinburgh remains hopeful of sealing a long-term deal for Gills defender John Egan.

Irish centre-back Egan has a year left on his Gillingham contract but the club are keen to extend that soon.

Talks were put on hold over the summer, while Egan returned home to Ireland for a break, but manager Edinburgh is keen to now conclude the negotiations.

“It is ongoing,” said Edinburgh. “John wants to stay, the club wants him here long-term and it takes time. Hopefully it will be done sooner rather than later.

“John has made it clear he wants to stay at the club and extend his career here. I don’t think there will be a problem.”

When asked about the negotiations, Egan, who scored the winner in a pre-season friendly at Tonbridge on Saturday, said: “We will see how pre-season goes but if there is a decision to be made, there will be one made hopefully.

“It is going well here, I’m playing games and I’m coming off the back of a good first season with the Gills.

"Hopefully I can keep my form up this season and drive on and get better.”