Teenager Harry Waldock impressed the manager again last Saturday as his run in the team continued.
The 19-year-old has started the last four games for the Gills after injuries left manager Gareth Ainsworth with few midfield options.
It’s been a tough introduction to the Football League for the youngster in a team that has struggled.
“He’s going to learn plenty,” admitted the Gills boss.
“Harry’s definitely got a good career ahead of him.
“He’s come in, and he’s really asserted himself.”
Waldock was picked ahead of professional Nelson Khumbeni for the midfield role at Crawley, and another young midfielder Michael Luxton was also named on the bench.
“[Harry was] one of the ones in [the changing room] devastated (on Saturday) and that’s not nice to see,” Ainsworth said, following the 2-0 weekend defeat.
“I want him to be happy and enjoy his football. I’m sure he will one day. At the moment, it’s not going too well.
“But I’ll defend my boys. They have given everything. We just came up short again.
“They’re good lads. I don’t want anyone having a go at my boys. I will defend my boys to the hilt, right? I’ll tell them they weren’t good enough and I’ll put it right.”
Waldock picked up a bang to his ankle in the weekend loss but played on to the final whistle.
Ainsworth should have captain Armani Little back from suspension to give him extra options ahead of their Good Friday trip to Walsall.
He’s been without fellow midfielders Robbie McKenzie and Ethan Coleman in recent games, January signing Cameron Antwi hasn’t been seen for weeks and the manager said on Saturday that both Jonny Williams and Euan Williams had also picked up knocks.
Defenders Shad Ogie and Omar Beckles missed last weekend’s game injured and Conor Masterson has only played six times this season as he has endured a difficult time with injuries.
Ainsworth said: “You don’t do well without your best players in the team, but you expect some of the players to step up a little bit.
“Harry Waldock certainly did. I thought he was a shining light and Bradley [Dack] always gives you absolutely everything in the middle there.
“There’s been quite a few [missing] in that middle section, which is tough to take. But, we go again. We’ll keep going.”
Ainsworth also mentioned that goalkeeper Glenn Morris had been suffering from an injury, which explained some of the frequent rotation between him and Jake Turner.
Morris was back in goal on Saturday against his former team.
“Glenn’s had an ankle problem over the last couple of weeks,” said the manager.
“He rolled his ankle in one of the warm-ups.
“I thought putting him against his old club would be the right thing. He made a couple of good saves. Couldn’t have done anything with both goals.
“We’ve got to be better everywhere. I’ll make sure that we are.”
