McDonald scored for Norwich on his return to Kent

Gillingham manager Mark Stimson has revealed he wanted to sign the man who knocked them out of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy on Tuesday.

Cody McDonald scored the only goal of the game for Norwich at Priestfield.

Stimson told BBC Radio Kent that the 23-year-old striker caught his eye during his non-league days at Dartford.

"We were aware of him but Norwich are a much bigger club than us with a lot more finances and we couldn't get involved in it," he said.

Stimson added: "What he's got that most kids have got who have come up through that route is a passion and desire to get in there.

"What he did really well with the goal was with the first header he beat Garry Richards to it.

"That was disappointing from my point of view because Garry stands at 6ft 2 and their lad's only about 5' 10.

"To lose that aerial battle is not good and his composure was fantastic for the goal."

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