Gillingham midfielder Armani Little shaves his hair off in support of nephew who is facing chemotherapy ahead of a bone marrow transplant at Great Ormond Street hospital

Gillingham midfielder Armani Little made his return from injury at the weekend with a powerful gesture for his seriously ill four-year-old nephew.

Little came off the bench against Newport on Saturday to make his first appearance since the opening weekend of the League Two season.

The former Gills captain returned with a new look, having shaved his head in support of his nephew Arnie, who is preparing to undergo a bone marrow transplant.

Manager Gareth Ainsworth praised the 29-year-old for overcoming his hamstring injury and for the gesture aimed at raising awareness of what his young nephew is facing.

Little’s four-year-old nephew Arnie is due to undergo a bone marrow transplant from his older sister.

Following Little’s return to action, Ainsworth said: “Armani is an absolute leader by example and he's a tough man.

“You can see he's shaved his head for his nephew. The things he's doing. He's a proper man.”

Little showed off his new haircut on Instagram before the weekend and explained what it was about.

“I’m spreading awareness for my nephew and hoping he isn’t going to feel alone when he loses his hair due to chemotherapy for the second time in his four years of life.

“A bone marrow transplant is his only choice. If he doesn’t have this he would develop leukaemia. He has had to endure more in his short life than most people would ever imagine.

“My sister and brother-in-law have had to take on the role as medical parents, and my niece, his amazing big sister, is about to be his donor for a bone marrow transplant taking place after his chemo.”

A GoFundMe account has been set up to help the family.

Armani said: “No matter how big or small, any donation would be greatly appreciated to help my brave family during this