Cody McDonald will be hoping history repeats itself at the Gills this season. If it does, then his time to shine should be coming soon.

The striker has increased his goal tally in each of his last three full seasons at Priestfield once the clocks have gone back.

A winter goal-blitz last season helped the striker finish the campaign with 18.

He has one to his name so far but only the foolish would write him off at this stage.

McDonald said: “I scored a few towards the back end of last season and for some reason I always do better in the second half of the season.

“I can’t put my finger on why, it’s not like I try any harder.

“I did get an injury at the start of last season but I am not putting it down to that.

“I am working hard and hopefully it is a matter of time when it changes.

“We have a lot of games coming up and unfortunately we have couple of injuries. That might allow me to get a run of games and it is about getting that chance and taking it.”

McDonald’s season has been hampered by injuries. He missed much of pre-season and just when he was getting up to match speed, he took a whack at Crewe a fortnight ago and was sidelined again.

A dose of pain killers and some extra padding is helping him lessen the effects of a bruised heel and he hopes to play some part at Walsall.

“It is still sore and I am just trying to get through it,” he said.