Justin Edinburgh is keen to keep hold of leading scorer Jay Emmanuel-Thomas for the remainder of the season – but he does have a Plan B.

The Gillingham boss is conscious that Emmanuel-Thomas’ form during the first half of the season could lead to a recall from parent club Queens Park Rangers.

A season-long loan deal was agreed in the summer but the Championship side could exercise their right to take him back when the January transfer window opens.

Edinburgh does have options should the 11-goal leading scorer return to Loftus Road.

He said: “We are fully aware of what could happen and we have contingency plans but we are hopeful that we keep him here.

“He has been excellent on the pitch, he’s been fantastic around the group and I can’t speak highly enough of him.”

Emmanuel-Thomas scored three goals in the opening two games, netted another couple in the comeback victory over Shrewsbury and two penalties in a 3-3 draw with Chesterfield.

He recently hit a last-gasp winner against Northampton as the Gills began their League 1 revival.

Young striker Greg Cundle, meanwhile, could be set for a loan move with Edinburgh keen he continues his development with a top non-league side.

Edinburgh said: “That would be our aim, to get him in and around that Conference South, Conference National level. He has done the lower levels up to that and scored goals and done well. That would be the next step.”