91Èȱ¬

Gillingham boss Martin Allen has praised his chairman Paul Scally for "pushing the boat out" to sign defender Leon Legge from Brentford.

The 27-year-old, who signed a one-month loan deal on Wednesday with a view to a permanent move, made his debut for the League Two leaders in the 1-0 win at Southend.

"It's a great acquisition," Allen told 91Èȱ¬ Radio Kent.

"It's great we've got him because a lot of clubs wanted him."

He continued: "For Mr. Scally to get Legge and do that deal over the last few days, it's been a lot of work.

"I was here all day Sunday trying to get it sorted out with the agent. But Mr. Scally has pushed the boat out to get him."

Allen was also full of praise for forward Adam Birchall, who made his first league start for the club more than a year after signing from Dover Athletic.

The 28-year-old missed all of last season with a cruciate ligament injury.

"He's a real danger," Allen said.

"He's a great lad and he's waited very patiently for his chance and his opportunity. Everyone says we need a new centre forward, but we've got him hanging around in the background.

"He smiles every day in training, works hard every day in training and scores goals every day in training."