Neil Harris says Gillingham couldn't afford to bring Leyton Orient loanee Charlie Kelman back to Priestfield last summer; Clubs meet in League 2 tonight with O's top of the table

Neil Harris would love to see Charlie Kelman wearing Gillingham colours when he takes his side to new League 2 leaders Leyton Orient tonight.

Boss Harris tried to bring the QPR striker back to Priestfield on loan but the 20-year-old joined the O’s on a season-long deal instead.

He hit the ground running at Brisbane Road, scoring three times in his first six appearances.

He’s gone nine games without a goal since, losing his place in the starting XI, but he’s a talent and one Harris would have welcomed back to Priestfield with open arms.

The forward was sent back to Rangers by ex-boss Steve Evans last season but returned during Steve Lovell’s caretaker stint and scored for Harris in wins over Doncaster and Accrington as Gills threatened to pull off a great escape before dropping out of League 1 on the final day.

“We couldn’t afford him,” said Harris. “I like Charlie. Charlie was brilliant for me last season.

“Charlie was great, a great lad. Funnily enough, he lives quite near me.

“He was a big part of our improvement last year when I took over.

“He’s not been in the team the last few weeks but he’s certainly a good player at the level and we look forward to seeing him.”

Kelman came on midway through the second half on Saturday as Richie Wellens’ side won 3-2 at Carlisle to overtake Stevenage at the top of the table.

Asked if he expected him to start against Gillingham, Harris said: “I don’t know, to be honest.

“I’ve got to worry about my team rather than picking Richie’s team at the moment. Who knows?”

Gillingham gave a good account of themselves when facing previous leaders Stevenage just over a week ago, Elkan Baggott with the equaliser in a 1-1 draw.

Orient will provide a stern test but Gillingham are on a handy