NEW Gills loan signing Adam Nowland was delighted to be back in action after playing 50 minutes in the 4-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

Preston midfielder Nowland had previously only played one minute of football all season and admitted it had been a long road back for him.

"I was injured but I’ve been fit and ready to play for the past eight or nine months," he said.

"But I didn’t fit into the manger’s plans at Preston. So it was great to be back on the pitch again, even if it was a disappointing result.

"We conceded some sloppy goals but we kept the ball well at times and there’s a lot of promise.

"I just need to get back to match fitness and get to know the lads and they need to get to know me. I haven’t even had a training session with them yet."

Nowland is no stranger to Priestfield, having been on loan at the Gills for three matches back in 2004.

He was joined by Charlton striker Chris Dickson in making a loan move to Priestfield on Thursday. Dickson also came off the bench against Forest.