by Luke Cawdell

Garry Richards is looking to put the past behind him as he seeks a way back into Gillingham’s first team.

The defender was back in a Gills shirt on Wednesday as he gets ever nearer to recovering from an ankle injury that has kept him out of the first team since April.

Richards, 24, picked up an ankle injury in the game at Millwall last season (pictured) after colliding with his own keeper Alan Julian.

"I was like a kid in a candy shop and very excitable," he said after playing 45 minutes against Aldershot reserves.

"It was nice to be back out there and good to be alongside Simon King again and seeing the other boys making their way back and getting some time on the pitch.

"It was a positive day. It’s been a long time out and it’s been frustrating at times.

"That’s all in the past now and hopefully it’s onwards and upwards."

Richards has made 77 appearances for the Gills but doesn’t want to rush back too soon after eight months on the sidelines.

He added: "This weekend’s game against Chesterfield could be a week too early.

"I just need to ease my way back in. I don’t want to run before I can walk.

"There may be another reserve game next week and I would like to be looking to declare myself fit if I can get another 60 to 90 minutes in that."

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