Scott Wagstaff’s impending return for Gillingham is a major bonus to boss Steve Lovell.

The former Bristol City and Charlton player was in top form before suffering a hamstring injury against Fleetwood just before Christmas.

Wagstaff was warming up before the New Year’s Day game at Charlton and Lovell expects the midfielder to be back for this weekend’s League 1 match against Rochdale at Priestfield.

“If everything goes to plan then he will be available,” said Lovell.

“If we had played this Saturday he would have been in contention. We will make sure he is up to speed. He should be ready.”

Wagstaff was a class act in the games just before his injury and spoke in the press about his delight at putting his injury problems behind him.

Those hopes were shortlived but everyone will be hoping his latest setback was just a blip.

Lovell said: “Before he got injured at Fleetwood he was most probably our best player for the three games prior to it.

“He has got back really sharp, he is a good player, the experience he and Lee (Martin) bring to the team is immense.

“The (Charlton) management were saying (last week) how he is a class act and it will be like having a new signing.”

With Championship experience behind him, a fit and firing Wagstaff can be as good as anyone at League 1 level. Lovell agreed.

“He has proved that,” said the Gills boss. “It will be great to have him back.

“He was disappointed when he got injured at Fleetwood, because of the injuries he has had in the past.

“But he has had a good run of games and there is no reason why he can’t finish the last 20 games, pushing on and getting some more goals.”