Chris Dickson was left on the sidelines for Saturday's game against Huddersfield after recovering from a calf injury too late to earn a place in the team.

Dickson, pictured, only returned to training on Friday, after picking up an injury last week at Carlisle, and Gillingham boss Mark Stimson had already chosen his side by then.

Stimson said: "He was available to play but the way the boys trained in the week there was no way I could leave them out. It would have been different if he had scored a hat-trick last week."

Also missing was Josh Gowling, with a hamstring injury, and that meant a welcome return to the squad for utility-man Mark Bentley.

Stimson revealed that Danny Jackman only just made the team, having been ill the night before, and defender Darren Dennehy was feeling the effects of a Wednesday night appearance for Ireland’s under-21 team.

"Darren said his legs were 'hanging' and at half-time he got some treatment on his hamstring," said Stimson. "Danny Jackman was feeling unwell but we gambled on him and thankfully he lasted 90 minutes because he is a big player for us."

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