Gillingham are hoping for the best after big striker Oli Hawkins went off injured on Saturday.

Hawkins missed the first four months of the season with a heel injury but his return has coincided with Gillingham’s upturn in performances and a run of wins post-Christmas.

He netted in the 1-1 draw with Forest Green Rovers at Priestfield and was only denied a goal on Saturday by a fine goalkeeper save to keep out his far-post header. Hawkins’ afternoon ended early, however, limping off shortly before the break.

Thankfully for the Gills it wasn’t his problematic heel that was the issue, but a strained groin muscle could still mean he might have to sit it out for several weeks.

Head coach Stephen Clemence will be hoping it’s a less serious issue.

Commenting on the injury after the game, Clemence said: “He has got a slight groin (strain) and we will have to assess that.

“We don’t think it is a bad groin strain but sometimes you get a nick in your groin and it can be two or three weeks. I am hoping it’s not and that it has just cramped up on him a little bit, we will have to wait and see.

“It is unfortunate because I thought Oli was doing really well when he was on the pitch, but when that happens there is an opportunity for someone else. If there is a space that opens up they will have to go and take their chance.”

Clemence did at least have another forward involved on Saturday after new loan signing Josh Walker came off the bench, straight away becoming involved, having a shot deflected over and being involved in several more attacks before scoring himself on 90 minutes for a debut goal.

“He did well,” said Clemence of his Burton Albion loanee.

“He was involved in the game, when he first came on one nearly fell to him straight away, I thought he had a nice feel for the ball and when the ball came to him he kept hold of it. I was pleased with his contribution and it’s nice that he got off the mark on his debut.”

Walker came to the Gills after a frustrating year at Burton which had followed some stellar seasons in the National League.

Clemence said: “He did well a little while ago, he struggled at Burton a bit since he went there and he probably hasn’t played as much as he would like.

“He has been playing for a team near the bottom of the league and it is difficult then for a striker when you don’t get the opportunities that perhaps you’d hope for.

“He comes back down south, it is a fresh start for him after doing well previously and Burton spent a lot of money for him after doing well in the National League for clubs.

“He comes here having never been in League 2 and I think he will be fine here, I think he can come here and score goals.”