Maher impressed Gills fans during his seven games on loan last term

Gillingham manager Mark Stimson remains confident of signing Kevin Maher even though two League One clubs are interested in the Irish midfielder.

Swindon Town and Oldham are thought to have offered the 31-year-old former Southend player a deal.

Stimson said: "I'm just waiting for the phone call. He said he'd let me know in the next 24 to 48 hours whether he's going to take the deal or not.

"I see it as a good sign that he's been in the stand watching us."

"I don't want to tempt fate but I think that's plus," Stimson added.

Having been released by Southend after a decade at Roots Hall, Maher played seven times during a loan spell at Gillingham last season, and has been training with the Medway side in pre-season.