Gillingham striker Mark McCammon netted his first goal since October in the 4-4 draw against Aldershot on Tuesday night and he revealed his determination to prove the critics wrong.

The 30-year-old forward has struggled with injury, since making a high profile move to Gillingham from Doncaster in the summer, and that’s restricted him to just eight starts.

McCammon has blamed a lack of fitness for his form and he’s now keen to show what he can do.

He said: “I came here with high expectation levels and I’ve got to live up to my expectations.

“I just have to try my best every time I put on that shirt and show people what I’m capable of.

“The fans haven’t seen the best of me yet. I see on the fans’ forum people criticising me and I have to try and prove them wrong.

“I would ask them to be patient with me. It’s all about fitness for me because I know I can do it and I know what I’m capable of and I know I can produce the goods when I’m given the chance.

“(The criticism) hurts but you just have to rise above it. I played 37 games for Doncaster last season and I’m not just a park player, I know I can do it. It’s just frustrating when you see it. I just have to wait for my opportunity and get as many games as I can and get my match fitness up.”

A solid second half performance and a goal just four minutes after coming on has given McCammon a timely boost.

“Getting back involved and scoring so quickly was great,” he said.

“I’m not match fit yet, that will take seven or eight games. I’ve just got to bide my time and be patient, train hard and get back to the capability that I know I can play at.”

Hear Mark McCammon speaking after the Aldershot game by clicking the link above