Gillingham manager Mark Stimson is hoping to keep hold of star striker Simeon Jackson this month after he impressed on the big stage on Sunday.Jackson scored a fine goal after spinning away from Zat Knight as the Gills were beaten 2-1 by Premier League Aston Villa in their televised FA Cup third-round clash.

But with Ipswich already reportedly interested, Stimson is keen to reject any bids from potential suitors during the January transfer window.

He said: "I've said from day one that he can play at a higher level, and probably people have questioned it, saying he's too small, too weak and gets knocked off the ball but he's a good player with a great attitude and showed here against a tall centre-half, to turn and run away from him and then to beat a goalkeeper of that standard from that distance is a fantastic strike.

"He will one day play higher than League Two, but hopefully it's not in the next three to six months.

"I'll be doing my utmost best to say no to any bids but at the end of the day I won't have the final say, it's down to the chairman. Every player has their price but we hope my phone stays quiet this January transfer window."

More Football News from TEAMtalk