Gillingham head coach Stephen Clemence with his early assessment of Oli Hawkins’ injury and comments on debutant goalscorer Josh Walker in League 2 match at MK Dons

Gillingham are hoping for the best after big striker Oli Hawkins went off injured on Saturday.

Hawkins missed the first four months of the season with a heel injury but his return has coincided with Gillingham’s upturn in performances and a run of wins post-Christmas.

He netted in the 1-1 draw with Forest Green Rovers at Priestfield and was only denied a goal on Saturday by a fine goalkeeper save to keep out his far-post header. Hawkins’ afternoon ended early, however, limping off shortly before the break.

Thankfully for the Gills it wasn’t his problematic heel that was the issue, but a strained groin muscle could still mean he might have to sit it out for several weeks.

Head coach Stephen Clemence will be hoping it’s a less serious issue.

Commenting on the injury after the game, Clemence said: “He has got a slight groin (strain) and we will have to assess that.

“We don’t think it is a bad groin strain but sometimes you get a nick in your groin and it can be two or three weeks. I am hoping it’s not and that it has just cramped up on him a little bit, we will have to wait and see.

“It is unfortunate because I thought Oli was doing really well when he was on the pitch, but when that happens there is an opportunity for someone else. If there is a space that opens up they will have to go and take their chance.”

#Gills' head coach with his thoughts on today's defeat at MK Dons