Danny Lloyd will miss the rest of Gillingham’s season following a knee injury at Ipswich Town on Saturday.

The forward could be out for up to nine months after scans have revealed the severity of his injury. He has damaged his cruciate and medial ligament of his left knee.

It’s a major blow to the forward after playing a starring role under new boss Neil Harris.

Gills manager Harris said: “He was like a talisman for us with his energy and his pressing and his quality as well

“It is a real shame. He has enjoyed his football and was outstanding in my first game with the winning goal and at Ipswich he was unplayable for 65 minutes. It is a big loss.

“We will give Danny the love that he needs and help him with the rehab and concentrate on ways to win games. He has been loved by me in a short space of time, loved by the fans and the staff and players. He would have been important but we can’t dwell on it.”

Commenting on Twitter, Lloyd said: “Unfortunately that’s my season done, time to focus on my injury I’ll be back fitter and stronger for next season. I’ll do my utmost day in day out to make it happen.”

He also thanked the fans after receiving many messages of support. Lloyd, 30, joined the Gills in the summer and made a big impression on the fans with his energy upfront. He has scored five goals this season in 27 league appearances.

Harris has had to make do with a number of forward players missing. Mustapha Carayol, Ben Reeves and Alex MacDonald are also out injured.

It’s unlikely we’ll see MacDonald playing again this season but Carayol and Reeves have a chance of making the Plymouth game at Priestfield a week Saturday. Young striker Gerald Sithole is also out injured after picking up a hamstring strain.