by Luke Cawdell

Gillingham captain Barry Fuller will miss the final two games of the season after undergoing surgery on Friday.

Fuller broke his nose last week in the game against Leeds (pictured) and the damage was so bad he was forced to go under the knife.

"That’s our luck and I certainly won’t be doing the lottery," said Gills boss Mark Stimson.

"Our luck is not in and to lose someone like Barry is a blow but Jack Payne has stepped in and shown he’s up for the challenge.

"We’re quite lucky there that we have someone who can step in."

Fuller missed the final matches of the 2007/08 season, when the Gills were relegated to League 2, having broken fingers in his hand.

He is still recovering from a broken arm picked up in the draw against Leyton Orient at the end of February.

Payne produced another great performance on Saturday against Norwich, which has helped lessen the blow of losing the captain for the crucial season run-in.

"He was phenomenal," said Stimson, "Right-back is not his position but he was outstanding.

"McNamee, who cost a bit of money and is a decent player, had to be dragged off at half-time and that shows how good Payne was.

"He will gain so much from these experiences and he will turn out to be a really good footballer."

Will Fuller's absence impact the Gills' survival chances? Have your say below.