Oli arrived at Gillingham in the summer of 2007

Gillingham winger Dennis Oli believes he is fitter now than he was for the whole of last season.

The 27-year-old played just four games last campaign after being plagued by injuries, including a tear to his medial knee ligament.

With new striker Adam Birchall out for several months with a cruciate knee injury, Oli told BBC Radio Kent he is ready to take his place if called upon.

He said: "I'm over all my injuries and I'm feeling really good and sharp."

He added: "Last season I was just fighting against myself.

"I was out for a long time and when I came back I felt little niggles and I wasn't 100%, so it was hard to get match fit.

"I couldn't do anything for a long period of time, no cardio - so you had to watch what you eat.

"I put on a few pounds and it was a battle against myself, but I've lost all the bulk now."

Having struggled so much with injury last season, Oli says he really empathises with Birchall - who is expected to be out for at least six months after having an operation on Tuesday.

"It's a major blow," he said.

"His record speaks for itself and I feel sorry for him, but hopefully he'll heal quickly and we'll get him back soon.

"As for for filling his boots, hopefully I'll play if I work hard.

"I'm sure I can put a few in the net along with Danny Kedwell and whoever else plays.

"We've got young Stefan Payne as well - who's a hot prospect. He can come and do a job as well.

"I know we've lost Birchall but there's still a lot of competition, so we've got to work hard to the training pitch and hope you get picked."

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