GILLINGHAM'S jailed striker Marlon King could be released earlier than expected under the Government's tagging system.

Speculation is rife that the 21-year-old forward may become the second professional footballer since Ipswich Town's Gary Croft to be allowed to play with the electronic tag under his socks.

King is serving an 18-month sentence at Sheppey's Eastchurch Open Prison after being found guilty of handling stolen property. Croft was jailed for four months in December 1999 after being found guilty of motoring offences and attempting to pervert the course of justice.

He was tagged on January 8, 2000 and a 7pm to 7am curfew placed on him. He received special dispensation to play evening matches.

After visiting King at Eastchurch, Gillingham chairman Paul Scally expressed the hope that the player might be tagged so he could be released early. He told the club's official website: "I understand this scheme is available to certain categories of prisoners on a special licence after they have served a minimum of a quarter of their sentence.

"It is at the prison governor's discretion. I know that Marlon is making every effort to rehabilitate himself and I'm hopeful he might be considered."

The chairman stressed: "I think he deserves this chance. I was particularly impressed with his strength of mind."