Gillingham rocked by Adam Birchall injury

Birchall turned down Swindon and AFC Wimbledon before joining the Gills

Gillingham striker Adam Birchall will miss the opening months of the season after suffering a knee ligament injury.

The 26-year-old joined the Gills earlier this month from Dover Athletic after scoring 45 goals last season.

Gills boss Andy Hessenthaler told the club website: "We've had the results back from Adam's scan and unfortunately it's not good news.

"There's no point trying to put a time limit on his recovery, but it will keep him out a few months."

Hessenthaler added that Birchall had impressed since joining: "We have seen glimpses of what Adam can bring to the side in the handful of pre-season matches that he has played so far.

"It's a bitter blow to the lad, and it's not good news for us either because he was such an important part of our plans."

Birchall will see a specialist at the Princess Grace Hospital, London, before being operated on next week.