Who will partner Shad Ogie in central defence this weekend remains a key question for Gillingham as they prepare for their clash against Doncaster.
With Gills captain Max Ehmer suspended and other regular options sidelined due to injuries, manager Mark Bonner faces a selection dilemma.
Shad Ogie will line up with a new central defensive partner this weekend. Picture: @Julian_KPI
More: Gillingham team news ahead of Doncaster trip
Ehmer, who was sent off last weekend against Chesterfield, was available for Tuesday’s EFL Trophy game, partnering Alex Giles, a 19-year-old with no Football League experience. Giles also featured in the League Cup tie against Swansea City.
Robbie McKenzie, who scored the winner last weekend, could step in alongside Ogie, although injuries rule out both Oli Hawkins and Tim Dieng.
“We know what we’re doing,” said Bonner, addressing the defensive options in Thursday’s press conference. “It’s fun for others to guess! Robbie’s been great, but we’ll have to check on him this week.
“Conor (Masterson) is still not in training, so he’s unavailable. We don’t have many options at the back, but we’ll come up with a solution and field a team ready to go.”
Bonner also confirmed that Glenn Morris will return as goalkeeper for Saturday’s game. Morris, who is back in contention following Jake Turner’s injury, is set to start ahead of Fulham loanee Luca Ashby-Hammond, who played well in midweek during the EFL Trophy game.
“Glenn’s going to play,” Bonner said. “That doesn’t mean he’ll stay in the team permanently, as competition is fierce and no player is guaranteed a place.”
He added, “It’s good to have healthy competition for spots, especially in goal.”
