GILLINGHAM player-manager Andy Hessenthaler has described stop-gap striker Nyron Nosworthy as a “massive option” but will not be drawn on whether the right-back will start the league season up front at Sheffield United.

The lively youngster transformed Gillingham’s attack, producing two clinical finishes in Saturday’s 5-1 success in a pre-season friendly at Nationwide Conference club Gravesend that provided his manager with much food for thought.

Nosworthy, who scored twice in last season's finale at home to Crystal Palace, was afterwards quick to stress that he saw his future at right-back. However, his manager may have other ideas.

Speaking after Saturday’s win, Hessenthaler said: “I’ve got a picture of my starting line-up for the first game but it’s not clear yet. So far as Nyron is concerned, he gives me a massive option. In fact I will go as far as to say that I’m still not convinced which is his best position.

“It could be that I start with Nicky Southall in the right-back position and Nyron up front but I’m certainly not prepared to commit myself now with two more pre-season games to go.

“I certainly wasn’t pleased with Nyron’s part in Gravesend’s goal because I felt there was a lapse in concentration on his part. So I moved him forward and he scored another two fine goals.”

He added: “I was more satisfied with our performance today than at Southend. I think we much prefer a wet pitch.

“But we could do with our injured players back and I’m hoping that Barry Ashby, Mark Saunders and Leon Johnson will be ready for Tuesday’s match at Canvey.”

Hessenthaler confirmed the club would not be furthering their interest in goalkeeper Scott Ward whom he was expected to take a second look at during Saturday’s friendly.

The 21-year-old impressed after coming on as a second-half substitute at Southend but Hessenthaler reluctantly let him go.

He explained: “Scott did well at Southend but I have two senior goalkeepers in Jason Brown and Vince Bartram plus a third in scholar Danny Knowles so now wasn’t the right time to be signing another."

Gillingham have also parted company with Australian trialist David Brickell who played his last game for the club as a 60th minute substitute for Paul Shaw at Gravesend.

Gillingham continue their pre-season preparation tomorrow night (Tuesday) away to Ryman League, Premier Division Canvey Island. Ex-Gill Ty Gooden is expected to be in the Canvey squad following his release by the club at the end of last season.

Gooden scored Canvey’s winner in Saturday’s shock 1-0 win at Southend.