Simon King was included in Gillingham’s matchday squad at Oxford on Saturday for the first time since the club’s Wembley triumph in the League 2 play-offs 18 months ago.

A problematic ankle injury left King, pictured, on the sidelines for the whole of last season, as well as the first few months of this one, but his comeback took a giant step forward at Oxford.

King remained an unused substitute and Gills manager Andy Hessenthaler admits it will still be a while yet before the 27-year-old can play.

Hessenthaler said: "To see him back has given everyone a lift because he is an outstanding player. He’s been missing for a long time and it’s great to have him back.

"The players gave him a clap in the dressing room before the game when we told him he was on the bench and it just shows how much they appreciate Simon as well.

"Saturday was a bit of a boost more than anything.

"He got a scare early on when Tony Sinclair went down injured. Ian Hendon (assistant manager) said, ‘go on Kingy, get warmed up.’ Kingy got up but we had to tell him to sit down because he was only joking!"

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