Andy Hessenthaler believes that youth is the way forward.

The Gills boss has turned to the club’s younger ranks to make up for a shortage of senior players and on Tuesday night had a team with an average age of just 22.

With finances in football getting ever tighter, he believes many clubs will only have one way to turn.

He said: "Football is in a rough time but then that is the way it is in life at the moment financially.

"That’s why it is pleasing for us to have these young ones coming through because that’s the way clubs are going to have to go.

"Otherwise we are all going to have problems financially."

Financial problems have hit many British teams, including Scottish giants Glasgow Rangers, and this week Gillingham’s League 2 rivals Port Vale went into administration.

The Gills had five teenagers on the pitch in the week against Barnet and scouts from teams including Liverpool, West Ham and Manchester City were in attendance at Priestfield.

Hessenthaler’s fledglings may be turning heads but he won’t be letting them go without a fight.

He said: "They won’t be having them. These are our boys and we have brought them through. It would have to be something a bit special to prize them away.

"There are lots of reports about the goalkeeper (Paulo Gazzaniga) but he is loving his football and still has a lot to learn.

"We don’t want anything to start turning anyone’s head at the moment. We have something to achieve this year and it's pleasing we have these young ones coming through and doing well."

The latest teenager to get a starting role was forward Ashley Miller, who put in a lively performance against Barnet.

"The kid got better and better as the game went on," Hessenthaler said.

"They just couldn’t handle him. For 17-years-old, he was a joy to watch. I am sure there were a lot of people watching and he has made a little name for himself. He was terrific."

Reading were also at Priestfield watching their young loan winger Jordan Obita.

Hessenthaler said: "He is only 18 and this is not an easy division to come into at that age."