Fit-again striker Oli Hawkins has opened up new options for Gillingham head coach Stephen Clemence to explore.

The 6ft 6inch striker hasn’t kicked a ball for the Gills this term after suffering with a persistent heel injury since pre-season.

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Hawkins was an unused substitute in the FA Cup game against Charlton in Gills’ last game and was in the squad for their cancelled weekend trip to Barrow.

It’s only a matter of time before he gets to play again for the Gills and Clemence is glad to have him available.

“He is champing at the bit and he is in a really good place,” said Clemence.

“He is great to have around, a really good character, a really good player and he gives us a different dimension, gives us something different to what we have been paying with.

“It is nice as all the strikers we have are slightly different and so it is good to have those options.”

Hawkins previously made the bench for the match against Morecambe three months ago but suffered a setback in his return and was left back in the treatment room.

Clemence also hopes to have Ashley Nadesan (calf) back available this weekend while Ethan Coleman is looking to prove his fitness after limping off against Charlton.