ADAM NOWLAND has returned to West Ham but could soon be replaced at Priestfield.

West Ham boss Alan Pardew confirmed that Nowland would be in his squad for the Carling Cup tie against Chelsea this week and probably would not return to Priestfield but Gorman insisted it was still an option.

And with Gills picking up further injuries against West Ham, Gills could be short of numbers.

Gorman said the club had someone “waiting in the wings” to join the squad but he and Hessenthaler are still pursuing other options.

Gorman went abroad immediately after the game to look at a player and he added: “The problem is that people don’t need to help you because they have to look after themselves especially at this time of year, with clubs involved in Europe or teams at the bottom of the Premiership fighting relegation.”