By Henry Collier

Gillingham Midfielder Billy Bingham is set to miss the remainder of the season.

The former Dagenham and Crewe midfielder picked up a thigh strain in training on Monday.

Boss Steve Lovell confirmed Bingham was close to being ready for the squad before sustaining the injury in training, saying: “He was going to be involved on Tuesday (against Blackburn) but he picked up a thigh strain prior to the game on Monday.

“I can’t see him being involved from now until the end of the season. It’s a big disappointment.”

Bingham, who broke his ankle while training back in November, was set to be fit for the last few games of the season but the setback means he is unlikely to play for the Gills again this term.

The midfielder has only made nine appearances for the Gills since being signed by former boss Ady Pennock in the summer.

He did play a key role in the early turnaround under Lovell though, impressing in the wins over Peterborough and Rotherham.

Despite the blow, Lovell hopes the injury may stand Bingham in good stead for next season.

“Everything happens for a reason,” said the Gills boss. “It gives him a little more time to be ready for the start of next year.”

With Franck Moussa also out injured and Lee Martin serving the third of his four game suspension, the Gills are a little light in central midfield ahead of the trip to Oldham on Saturday.