Jo Kuffour in celebratory mood for the Gills Picture: Barry Goodwin

by Matthew Panting

Gillingham manager Andy Hessenthaler has admitted he could face a battle to sign loan striker Jo Kuffour if he finds his scoring form.

Striker Kuffour bagged his first Gillingham goals last weekend during his three-month loan switch from League 2 rivals Bristol Rovers.

Hessenthaler reiterated his desire to keep the 29-year-old long-term but knows that a purple patch in front of goal will see Kuffour's stock rise in the Football League.

"We saw signs (last weekend) that he is going to be a fantastic player for us who is going to get goals," said Hessenthaler.

"If he does well and scores goals, then I'm sure other teams will see that and think they can jump in and nick him but that's football.

"Nothing has been agreed (with Bristol Rovers). We will talk nearer the time.

"He isn't in the manager's plans there. Everyone has their opinions on their squad and he isn't in their plans."

Hessenthaler is hopeful he can persuade Kuffour to make his move to Priestfield permanent and believes re-igniting the striker's desire for the game could work in his favour.

"We've given him an opportunity to play," said Hessenthaler. "We just want to see him carry on doing that.

"He is enjoying his time here and all the time he is scoring goals and enjoying it, then there is every chance he will stay at this club.

"Hopefully in January, there may be something we can do on a permanent basis. We will wait and see, we're not going to rush into anything."