Alan Julian has praised the depth of class in Gillingham’s defensive options.

The Gills are likely to be without Josh Gowling on Saturday but boss Andy Hessenthaler can turn to Garry Richards or Simon King as replacements.

That pair helped the club to promotion from League 2 in 2009 but since then Gowling has earned his place in the side and both Matt Lawrence and Tony Sinclair have been signed this season.

"We have an embarrassment of riches in that department," said the Gills number one (pictured).

"It’s unbelievable. It doesn’t matter who is back there for me, I know I’ll have a superb back line."

Gowling limped out of the Stevenage match on Tuesday night and Richards entered the fray for only the second time this season, having been troubled by an ankle injury.

Julian added: "Josh has been fantastic since he’s been in the team but look who comes on – Garry Richards, another fantastic centre back.

"We’ve also got Simon King and then Tony Sinclair coming back as well as Connor Essam."

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