MIKAEL Ndjoli has returned to Cherries following his loan spell at Gillingham.

The forward, 21, featured 18 times for Steve Evans's League One side, scoring three goals.

Ndjoli, who spent last season on loan at Kilmarnock, has struggled for game time in recent weeks, named as an unused substitute in each of their past eight league fixtures.

His final game for Gillingham came on Sunday, playing the final four minutes of a 2-0 FA Cup loss to West Ham at Priestfield.

Evans told the Gills website: “Mikael is a great lad and has certainly played a part here.

“He is liked and respected by everyone here. We wish the kid every success going forward in his career.

"I totally understand and respect that Mikael and AFC Bournemouth want the lad to get more minutes on the pitch, but in fairness to the lads here they have been winning and playing exceptionally well."

Ndjoli had initially joined Gillingham on a season-long loan, but has now been recalled and will link up with Shaun Cooper's under-21s squad.