GOALKEEPER Steve Banks sent the clearest signal yet on Saturday that he can be the difference between survival and relegation in Gillingham's desperate fight against relegation.

As the club managed to win two home games in succession for the first time this season following Saturday's crucial 2-0 success over fellow strugglers Rotherham, player-manager Andy Hessenthaler pointed to the outstanding contribution made by Banks, now in his second spell at the club.

The club's 1995 Player of the Year may now be 32 but Hessenthaler regards Banks as in his prime.

He is the sixth goalkeeper Hessenthaler has used this season and after watching him defy the Millers with a series of outstanding second half saves, the Gills boss said: "He may be 32 but he is young for a goalkeeper.

"When I made the call to Wimbledon knowing he was out of contract at the end of the season I knew we were getting a top class goalkeeper. What's more he's proved that, especially against Rotherham in the second half."

Hessenthaler is refusing to be drawn as to whether Banks or the injured Jason Brown is his number one choice.

Banks, who went on to play for Blackpool, Bolton, Rochdale (loan), Bradford City (loan), Stoke and Wimbledon before returning to Priestfield earlier this month, is delighted to be back at the club after signing a two and a half year contract.

"I'm so pleased to be back because apart from anything else the supporters have always been good to me and that's made it easier. If I can make a difference this season then great.

"The main priority for us against Rotherham was that we kept a clean sheet and we won the game. We scored a couple of goals into the bargain and showed the desire that you need in our situation.

"The thing is that while we have won, so have other teams down around us. With 10 games to go there is still a lot to fight for."