Gillingham manager Gareth Ainsworth’s reaction to the return of striker Tom Eaves

Gareth Ainsworth believes returning striker Tom Eaves still has what it takes to strike fear into lower-league defenders.

The 34-year-old has returned to Gillingham on a one-year deal, seven years after leaving the club for Championship side Hull City.

Eaves was a huge fans’ favourite during his first spell at Priestfield, scoring 40 goals in two seasons before earning his move into the second tier.

And Gills boss Ainsworth is convinced the veteran frontman still has plenty to offer.

“He's definitely somebody that will be feared in League Two,” said Ainsworth.

“He scored 10 goals in League One last season and had a really good career, [playing] Championship Games.

“Gillingham is his best spell of his career, and we hope that continues.”

Ainsworth believes Eaves’ physical presence will immediately give Gillingham another dimension, while insisting there is much more to his game than simply being a big target man.

“His size alone will put fear into defenders, never mind the way he can score goals, win headers and he's more mobile than people think,” he said.

“People don't see him as a mobile forward. He can run as well.”

Eaves’ arrival comes after another injury setback for Will Goodwin, with Lamin Sillah and Ronan Hale the other senior forwards in the squad.

The Gillingham boss sees Eaves as something different to the attacking options already at the club.

“He gives us something that is different to the style we've been employing and I think that's nice to have, that difference and that plan B, as you would,” said Ainsworth.

“I've been known for my big strikers in the past. Everyone thought I'd changed a bit and gone all small this year, but we saved one to the end!”

Eaves has been training with the PFA and is fit, but