by Luke Cawdell

Manager Andy Hessenthaler could turn to loan striker Rowan Vine to help fire Gillingham into the League 2 play-offs.

The Gills face a crucial Easter weekend but Hessenthaler must make a tough decision on who to partner leading scorer Danny Kedwell in attack.

QPR loan man Vine (pictured) has put his name top of the list after some impressive performances from the bench.

Two goals in Monday’s testimonial friendly at Folkestone added weight to Vine’s claim for the vacant spot in attack – left open due to a knee injury to striker Jo Kuffour.

Hessenthaler said: "I think he could start. He hasn’t played many competitive matches over the last few months.

"It might be a case of starting him and if he can’t finish, then we can take him off and we have other options on the bench. He is chomping at the bit to start."

Hessenthaler’s other options are to play Dennis Oli or teenager Ashley Miller.

Kuffour misses the game on Friday against his former club Bristol Rovers while fellow front-man Gavin Tomlin remains out with a hamstring injury.

Vine has made three substitute appearances since arriving at Priestfield. He and Kedwell combined to help Gills score their second goal in last weekend’s 2-0 win over Macclesfield.

Kuffour received an injection in a troublesome knee injury that was getting progressively worse. He definitely misses out at Bristol Rovers and could be a doubt when the Gills host Dagenham on Easter Monday.

"It’s a blow but it’s something that has to happen because his knee is getting worse," said Hessenthaler.

What are your thoughts ahead of the game at Bristol Rovers? Have your say in our comments section below.