Gillingham manager Gareth Ainsworth admits they’re having to be patient with loan winger Jonny Smith.
The 28-year-old has been restricted to just three starts this season since joining from Wigan Athletic, and he was an unused substitute last weekend.
Smith scored a super solo goal at Newport back in September, but an injury kept him sidelined for several weeks, and fitness continues to hold him back.
Ainsworth said: “He’s a good player at this level. Again, I go back to him being undercooked when he came a little bit. It’s probably one of the reasons why we got him.
“You get Johnny Smith for a decent price because he’s probably not as up to speed as he was at Bristol City, Burton and Wigan.
“He hasn’t really played a lot of games. I think it’s a patient one with Jonny, but definitely part of my plans going forward.
“He’s a good lad. I think he’s a threat when he’s on the ball. But we’re just going to have to go with him building his fitness up, and hopefully we can get the best out of him soon.”
Ainsworth had Elliott Nevitt back training this week, after suspension and then injury kept him out of the last two games.
“He had a knock against Bristol Rovers,” said the Gills boss.
“That was why he went off, actually. He’d run himself into the ground that day.
“Nev’s back in the squad, which is great for me.”
Goalkeeper Glenn Morris is also out training but not yet 100%.
“Glenn’s close,” said the manager. “He was out on the grass doing handling (on Thursday).
“He’s not belting balls yet but I am really happy with Jake Turner at the moment. He’s fighting a good case for keeping that shirt.”
Defender Andy Smith remains unavailable but Ainsworth said he was a short-term injury.
He’s been pleased with young loan defender Travis Akomeah as back-up in that department, saying: “We’ve got some good centre-halves. Travis is playing out of his skin at the moment, knocking on my door for a start.
“That’s what I want. He’s doing really well. It’s been good to be able to build him up for a couple of months.”
Centre-back Conor Masterson is also training but isn’t expected back for a few weeks.
“We’re probably looking close to Christmas,” the manager said.
“Him and Euan Williams will be like new signings. They’re going to be absolutely ready to spring and go and Conor’s a winner. He wants to play.
“He wants to contribute all the time. I feel for Conor because he’s been in a frustrating place.
“He’s in the ‘general group’, one of my leaders in the dressing room, he’s learning a lot and I think he’s learning plenty just watching the games and seeing.
“It isn’t the worst thing sometimes when you have to watch a few games and see that and I think when he’s back, he’s going to be an absolute champing at the bit.
“I can’t wait for Conor to come back. He’s a winner and I want winners in my team.”
The Gills have recalled young defender Logan Dobbs from his loan at Tonbridge Angels.
Dobbs enjoyed getting plenty of minutes during a previous loan spell at Welling United but hasn’t seen as much action since making the switch to higher-league Tonbridge.
