Striker Liam Nash is free to continue his loan spell at non-league Leatherhead despite an injury to Gills striker Conor Wilkinson.

Nash’s initial month loan from the Gills expired at the weekend, with the striker scoring five goals in six games, and the loan arrangement looks set to be extended.

Wilkinson’s injury is only minor although it could keep him sidelined for the midweek FA Cup replay at Carlisle.

“Liam can stay,” said Lovell, when asked about his situation at Bostik Premier side Leatherhead.

“As long as he is playing and scoring goals, that will do him the power of good. We will look at that in the next two or three weeks, depending on injuries. He is better off playing.”

Lovell hopes to see Nash return to Gills at some point with confidence behind him.
“Liam has to prove himself,” he added.

“It’s all right going to the semi-pro game but he has to prove it at our level.

“The way he will do that is by scoring goals at the club he is at and then coming back. If he is then bright and buzzing in training there is a chance he will be involved.”

The medical team will assess Wilkinson on Monday but he remains a doubt for Carlisle.

Lovell said: “I am not going to rush him back. He will come back when he’s ready go but it might not be Tuesday."