Birchall scored 45 goals for Dover last season

Gillingham striker Adam Birchall is to have knee surgery on Tuesday to try to repair damage to his cruciate ligament.

The 26-year-old, who picked up the injury during a pre-season game against Welling last Tuesday, is expected to be out for at least six months.

Manager Andy Hessenthaler told BBC Radio Kent: "It's not good news. It could well be six months, it could be longer, it could be less.

"It depends how the operation goes and how quickly he heals in rehab."

Hessenthaler added: "It's a major blow to the lad because he was champing at the bit to get back into League football. He's been given the opportunity and he's devastated.

I know there are some sick people out there who may have a smile on their face because he's injured Andy Hessenthaler

"He's got to stay positive.

"He saw the surgeon, who was very good with him and tried to keep his spirits up.

"The surgeon's done hundreds of those operations and he said to him that he'll be back. He'll be firing and he'll be OK.

"He's got to stay positive and we'll do that as a club to keep him positive but, as you can imagine, it's not easy for him."

Meanwhile, Hessenthaler says he has been sickened by message board posts gloating over the injury to Birchall.

The rivalry between Gills and Dover Athletic intensified after Hessenthaler's move from the Whites to Priestfield, followed by his assistant Ian Hendon last year.

Many Dover fans were further angered by Birchall's transfer earlier this month.

Hessenthaler said: "I know there's a few people around who might be smiling at us a little bit.

"These people go on forums and make comments about players and, certainly, Adam is here now and he's picked up the injury.

"I think they'll be a lot of people feeling for him in Kent.

"I know there are some sick people out there who may have a smile on their face because he's injured but I won't go into that."

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