Manager Gareth Ainsworth has welcomed the return of one of his “star signings of the summer” as Gillingham prepare to face Barrow in the FA Cup.
Midfielder Zane Albarus is back in contention after completing 45 minutes for the club’s under-21s on Tuesday night, having been restricted to just two League Two starts this season.
The 20-year-old started the campaign brightly before picking up a knock. He returned at York but was sent off after receiving two yellow cards, then suffered another injury setback before he could get back into the first-team picture.
Ainsworth is delighted to have the former Brighton player available again.
Ainsworth said: “Zane completed 45 [on Tuesday night, in the Premier League under-21 Cup] so he’s be going in contention.
“Zane’s got every chance now of coming into the team and there’s one or two more that are making really good progress behind the scenes.”
Albarus captained Gillingham in the first half as they drew 1-1 against Huddersfield Town’s academy side at Priestfield.
With Robbie McKenzie and Nick Freeman both injury doubts, there could be opportunities for players to come into the squad.
“He did really well,” said Ainsworth, of the midfielder’s return to action.
“It was a big boost for him and it’s great to see these professionals playing with the youngsters in the Premier League Cup. This is what it was for as well.
“Some of the boys who played have put themselves right in my vision for potentially being on the bench.
“He was so proud [to be captain] and he’s a cracking lad, Zane. He’s going to be a cracking player for this club, without a shadow of a doubt. He was one of my star signings of the summer and we’ve missed him.”
Albarus was dismissed at York after picking up a second yellow card, shortly after his first, with both bookings coming for fouls.
Ainsworth said: “In a way, and I don’t want this to be a headline, you don’t mind a red card when it’s done with the right attitude. He’s trying to win the ball. It’s just curbing that a little bit.
“It’s not nasty, it’s not violent conduct, it’s not a stupid one. It’s just Zane’s enthusiasm and exuberance that he wants to go and win everything.
“A great learning curve to say when you have been booked. You might not be able to do that. A great learning curve for me as well. When he has been booked, he may have to come off the pitch because he can’t slow down, and that’s what I love about him.
“But great, great for us both and yes, brilliant to have him back on the pitch.”
Freeman picked up a knock last weekend and will be assessed ahead of the Barrow game.
“We’ll see how he is,” said the Gills boss. “He’s a tough cookie. Obviously, he wanted to win that one [last Saturday] being an ex-Shrewsbury player, so he gave everything and got clattered when he put a cross in.
“We’ll have a look at Nick and hopefully he’ll be back for [Saturday].”
McKenzie was also absent last weekend after picking up an ankle injury.
Ainsworth explained: “He had a knock. There’s one or two knocks that we’ll have to look at and see where we go on Saturday. But at the moment, Robbie’s been back in training. It’s been good to have him back in the squad.”
Ainsworth is also hoping to have Will Goodwin back involved soon.
He said: “I’d like Will back involved as well. So we’ll see where he goes. He’s due some minutes in a game soon.”
Gillingham have also announced that defender Conor McManus has been called up again for the Republic of Ireland’s under-21 squad.
They play Finland next Friday (November 13). He’s set to miss the League Two game away at Colchester the following day.
Captain Liam Gordon continues to work towards a return but is not yet ready to make his comeback.
Ainsworth said: “Liam’s out on the grass, so he’ll be chomping at the bit to try and get back in and we’ve got to be careful with Liam, but he’s up and around it nearly every day now.
“Liam’s a very intelligent guy. He knows football. He just knows that he’s got to be right on it to come back. He knows that he’d be letting us down if he wasn’t absolutely comfortable in his own head.
“There’s been one or two hiccups along the way, but he’s now on the grass day in, day out. Not fully trained with the boys yet, but I’m sure that’ll be coming soon. Cracking lad and my captain. It’ll be great to have him back.”
Sam Tabares and Cameron Antwi are also working their way back to match fitness.
