Lawrence signed a one-year contract with the Gills in August

Gillingham defender Matt Lawrence is fit enough to be playing professional football into his 40s, according to manager Andy Hessenthaler.

Lawrence, 36, has been a near ever-present since joining on a one-year contract from Crystal Palace in August.

Hessenthaler, who was playing League football until the age of 41, told BBC Radio Kent: "Matty could do the same.

"If you manage him carefully he could go on for years without a doubt. We try to protect him the best we can."

He added: "We give him an extra day off compared to the other boys because of his age. He's been one of our top performers this season.

"It's the same as when I was getting older you have to look after yourself as an individual, and I was lucky I had Peter Taylor (as manager), and he looked after me.

"The position I played in, Matt doesn't have to do as much work as I used to do. He'll shoot me down in flames for that."

Hessenthaler played for Gillingham, Hull City and Barnet in his 40s before becoming Dover Athletic's player manager.

Lawrence returns to the Gillingham squad against Bury after missing one game with a groin injury.

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