Captain Barry Fuller made his first return to Priestfield this morning since breaking his nose against Leeds United two weeks ago and the tough-tackling full-back admits that he can't recall much about the incident, "All I remember is that the ball bounced in between me and Darren.

"I called for it, to head it home, and I do remember Darren pulling away. I remember heading the ball but I don't know where it went. The club doctor called an ambulance straight away and within five minutes I was on my way to the Medway.

They assessed me as soon as I got there and took me in for x-ray so it was all really quick. I was there until about 6 o'clock that night and then it was a case of going home to wait for the specialist's call. I don't think I had any concussion but I did have severe headaches which were probably more painful than the nose.

"They lasted for a day or two but fortunately there wasn't any other damage to the forehead or the cheekbones. Three or four days after I realised that a couple of my teeth have shifted and have crossed over one another, so I'm going to have to see someone about that too, now.

Despite being in obvious discomfort Fuller revealed his first thought was to find out how the Gills were getting on against Leeds, adding, "I was on my missus case to keep an eye on the score at the hospital but I was in the changing room when Adam scored the first.

"The kit man John ran in and said he'd scored so I knew we were one up. When I got out of the ambulance we heard a big roar at the Hospital but didn't know if it was home or away because Leeds had a lot of fans in that afternoon.

"When my wife got there, I asked if it was 2-0 because of the roar and she said it was three! I thought she was winding me up at first. My Dad stayed at the game and he kept me updated so I knew it was 3-1 at half time. Then when it went to 3-2 I was probably more nervous than the boys, in the hospital."

Unsurprisingly a specialist advised immediate surgery and the tenacious defender explained that he had no real option but to go under the knife, "When the swelling came up, I could hardly breathe out of it at all. The main concern was how I would be able to breathe, if I did play, as the bones were in that much of a mess that they covered the airways.

"The surgeon said that, if we waited, it would have turned into a major operation which would require the nose to be re-broken. He said that for my own health it needed to be done straight away and the Club Doctor, Willo (Paul Wilson - Physio) and the Gaffer all agreed that sometimes your health has to come first. "

Fuller is currently supporting a plaster cast on his nose together with industrial strength bandages but is determined to be with the team for Saturday's all important clash with Southampton, "The cast has to stay on for a week so I'm going back on Saturday to have it taken off.

"Then they take x-rays to make sure everything is in the right position. It's only at the Alexandra so I can come straight to the game afterwards. I'll be in the dressing room before the game; in fact I'll probably be the first one there because the Alexandra is only around the corner.

"I'll be in there until they go out then I'll sit in the stand watching it and biting my fingernails. I hate watching anyway but this is a game that you'd rather play in than sit and watch. I'm one of those people that hate watching the games but I'll be here supporting the boys."

Barry may be sidelined but he was full of praise for his deputy Jack Payne, enthusing, "When you are out of the games, and someone fills in for you, you always hope that they do well. Jack has filled in there a couple of times in the past and he was great against Leeds and the Gaffer tells me he was brilliant against Norwich on Saturday too.

"He's coped very well but then I think, as a youngster, you are fearless because you've not got much to lose. You aren't used to those situations and people don't expect too much from you.

"The management staff and the players all know how good a player Jack is and how good he could be if he keeps progressing. He's shown that whenever he has played in the team. Centre midfield is his main position but he's shown he can play at right-back and he's done really well."

Fuller was clearly revelling in be back at training and admits he was surprised that his team mates let him off so lightly, "The boys have been alright actually and the day I did it every single one of them texted me to see how I was.

"When I came in today I was expecting a bit of banter but they've all been fine and asked me how I am and when I'll be back. It's just nice to be around the boys again, have a bit of a laugh and sit and watch them train.

"When I had the op I knew I wouldn't be involved again until pre-season but I'll try and be involved as much as I can, around the boys, in these next couple of weeks. It's a big two weeks for the club. Hopefully results will go our way, we'll do our job, and we'll be safe before the last day, then we can go out and enjoy it a bit more.