The popular Hawks striker appeared to have played his final game for the club after he was refused a bumper new contract at the end of last term.

Gale insisted he would not break the club's strict wage structure and stuck to his guns, even though it meant seeing the forward leave.

But the manager has apparently been rewarded for his no-nonsense approach and Baptiste is expected to line up in tonight's friendly with Eastbourne Borough (7.45pm) ahead of new contract discussions.

Gale explained: 'I've had a couple of conversations with Rocky over the past couple of weeks.

'There is a chance he will be at the game and there is a good possibility he will play some part in the game.

'He told me his heart is still with this club and I believe him.

'He's had three great seasons here – probably the best of his career – and I believe he can still do a very good job for us.

'The only reason he isn't here already is financial.

'He's been a great servant to this club and he's a great lad, but the financial package he was looking for was something we couldn't afford.

'I think he's gone away and had a think about things.

'But he's told me he is keen to play, so I'd like to see him get his boots on for us again and see how he does.'

Gale remains hopeful a new contract can be agreed, but warned the striker there was now plenty of competition for places.

He said: 'I think a deal is there to be done with Rocky if we can agree something.

'At the end of last season, he came up with a figure that he wanted and we were no-where near meeting his demands.

'But he's also got to realise that I've made other signing now.'

Baptiste also turned out for rivals Eastleigh during pre-season, but Gale insisted that would play no part in the decision on whether he re-signs the striker.

Gale said: 'I was a bit disappointed. I don't think he wants to play for them and I think Eastleigh only played him because they thought it would wind us up. But we're bigger than that – he's a free agent and he's entitled to play for whoever he wants.'

Gale has also reiterated his desire to bring Peterborough's Alfie Potter back to the club after the winger's remarkable impact on loan last term.

Gale said: 'We'd love to get Alfie back here.

'I've spoken to Peterborough about bringing him back on loan and they have told us that we will have an answer at the end of pre-season.'