Andy Hessenthaler admits it was a mistake to have waited so long to introduce the youngsters into his team.

A shake-up in defence has seen teenagers Connor Essam and Jack Evans start Gillingham’s last two games.

Boss Hessenthaler confessed he wished he has done it sooner. He said: "Maybe I have taken too long to introduce them to the team and I will hold my hands up on that one.

"I have realised that these two boys can hack it at the top end of the first team."

Essam signed professionally in the summer of 2010 but only recently made his senior debut, while first year pro Evans started his first match for the Gills at Port Vale on Saturday.

An injury to regular keeper Ross Flitney has also led to a call-up for teenage Argentine Paulo Gazzaniga, although he could have been included anyway, due to Flitney’s dip in form.

"I am excited about what I have seen out there with the younger ones," said Hessenthaler. "The keeper didn’t have a lot to do saving wise (on Tuesday) but his general game, his kicking was phenomenal at times. He created chances and with the pace we had upfront, we pushed them back.

"I am excited by watching him and it’s great that we have got a young hungry goalkeeper and a young hungry centre half and right-back.

"I wouldn’t go on record and say what they are earning but they are hungry. They want to do well and I can work with them all day long."