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Whelpdale has scored four goals in 22 games for Gillingham this season

Gillingham winger Chris Whelpdale is hoping to be fit for Friday night's game with Dagenham & Redbridge - despite suffering from a split scrotum.

The 24-year-old needed five stitches after being caught in a challenge with David Hunt late on in the Gills' 2-1 Boxing Day win at Crawley.

"I'm hoping to be fit," Whelpdale told the club's website external-link .

"I've just been out and bought a jockstrap, so I'll pad it all up and I should be OK to play."

He added: "I had a bit of a shock when I saw it but when it initially happened I thought it was just a normal whack in the area, but then three or four minutes later it was hurting.

"I did have a look and that was when I was a bit shocked."

The victory extended the club's unbeaten run to nine games and after the game manager Andy Hessenthaler described the injury as "disgusting" and added that "I'm sure his wife won't be too happy either!"

But Whelpdale said: "I think she felt a bit sorry for me, but she did have a bit of a giggle as well.

"There's been a lot of banter from the lads as well, but they've all been cool."

Whelpdale joined Gills from Peterborough United in July 2011 following a successful loan spell, having made 143 appearances for the Posh.

Since completing a move to Priestfield he has scored four goals in 22 games.