Gillingham defender Simon King to battle for his place

King has made just four league appearances in two years

Gillingham defender Simon King has said he is determined to fight for a place in the starting line-up this season.

The 28-year-old, who suffered a serious ankle injury in July 2009, has made only four appearances in two years.

However, he played 45 minutes in Gillingham's 1-0 defeat to Leyton Orient on Tuesday.

He told BBC Radio Kent: "I'm going to work hard at getting as many minutes as possible in pre-season and try to get that fitness back."

King was named player of the season for the 2008/09 campaign but damaged his ankle in a pre-season friendly against Bromley, just weeks after penning a new three-year deal with the club.

Now in the final year of his contract, he said he owed it to the club to perform this season.

"I signed a three-year deal just before the injury so I feel like I have to repay the chairman and the fans. This year is my last and I've just got to give it my best."

It's a real battle for positions. We've got to fight for our place. No-one's taking it for granted.

Simon King

King said that his ankle was dealing well with the stresses and strains of regular football, following a string of appearances in Gillingham's pre-season friendlies.

"[My ankle] is never going to be 100%. I know what I can and can't do now. I've been training hard. I'm very pleased with it.

King is optimistic of the Gills' chances for 2011/12 and is keen to play an integral role in securing promotion for the Kent side.

"I would like to hold down a starting place. As a team I think we've got enough strength and depth in squad that we'll be pushing for that playoff, and especially top three. I think we are good enough," he added.

Gillingham kick off their 2011/12 season at home to Cheltenham Town on Saturday 6 August.