The decision to choose Adebayo Akinfenwa over fellow striker Deon Burton is one that manager Martin Allen is happy to be judged on.

Akinfenwa arrived on a one- year deal earlier this month after Gills boss Allen felt he was the right man for the club.

Allen said: “Deon did a special job for us last season and deserves a special mention. It was 50-50 and we weren’t sure what to do. I took my time and in the end I had to make a decision. Bayo was available, Deon was available and, of course, we had to weigh up the financial implications.

“I chatted it through with Mr Scally and my staff, I had a break, so I had a clear mind and I chose to go with Bayo.

“Only time will tell if it will be right or wrong. That’s why I am the manager. You put your neck on the line and make decisions. Some of them work, some of them don’t. You’re either Mad Dog or Top Dog.”

Burton has joined League 2 Scunthorpe on trial and scored their opening goal in a 4-1 win over Frickley Athletic on Tuesday.

Allen, meanwhile, was delighted to see fellow striker Cody McDonald get off the mark in the midweek friendly against Ipswich.

“Cody McDonald loves it here and I love having him here. When he went through with just the keeper to beat (on Tuesday), we all knew he was going to score. He will get 20-plus goals, there is no doubt about that.”