Gillingham boss Gareth Ainsworth says Conor Masterson’s injury is less of a concern thanks to the form of young defender Sam Gale.
Masterson limped off with a calf problem in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Walsall, but Gale came off the bench and impressed — even making a crucial late challenge to deny the visitors an equaliser.
Report: Gillingham 1 Walsall 0
“I was worried for Conor,” Ainsworth admitted, after the Irish centre-half went off injured shortly after the Gills had taken the lead.
“He has got a calf issue, and that’s not nice to see when no-one’s around you and you go down like that.
“He said he felt something, so we’ll have to have a look at that, and hopefully the prognosis won’t be as bad as first thought.
“Galey coming on. Wow, that boy has got a real chance in this game.
“He’s got some energy, he’s got tenacity, and the will to win in that boy is incredible. Sometimes you need to rein it back but I had no worries. He’s not dropping in any standard and (Andy) Smith went into the centre.”
The Gills switched to a back five for the visit of Walsall. Gale was the centre-half left on the bench, with Masterson, Shad Ogie and Smith the three picked.
The Gills aren’t short of defensive cover in the central areas.
Ainsworth said: “We’ve got some real confident cover in Sam Gale and I’m really, really proud of him for such a youngster to have so many games under his belt and to be an accomplished player.
“I think Sam’s got a good career ahead of him. We’ve got Robbie (McKenzie) who can play there and Ethan (Coleman) can probably fit in there as well. We’re not going to be short.”
Explaining why Gale was the man to be left out of the starting eleven, Ainsworth said: “He missed the last week of pre-season and he only got back for the Dartford game and a couple of days training.
“I had no reason to leave anyone else out. Nobody’s done anything wrong and still nobody’s done anything wrong but football changes.
“You’ve got to give them all a chance and I believe that they’re all really trying hard for me.
“Of course, I’m going to play the ones who I believe will win that particular game, but Gale’s been patient and he has been a total professional and when called upon, that showed.
“He was superb and probably stopped the equalising goal with that fantastic challenge at the end.”
