Gillingham manager Mark Stimson has challenged winger Albert Jarrett to shine in today’s reserve outing and prove he is worthy of a first team place.

Stimson has told Jarrett that a place in the squad could be his if he continues to impress and he has the chance when the reserves take on Crystal Palace at Priestfield in the Combination League this afternoon.

The Gills boss said: “He might figure over the weekend because his fitness levels are good now and he looks like he has that little appetite back.

“I’m hoping he has a good run out in the reserves and can be included in our squad for the weekend because we could need a few more bodies.

“Hopefully Albert can get through the game and give us another option.”

Jarrett hasn’t featured for the Gills since the game against Wycombe in December.

“He had his injury and that took him a lot longer than we thought,” explained Stimson.

“Since he’s been back from his injury he hasn’t been flying. Sometimes he looks a bit hesitant to go past a player and if you are a winger and that’s your strength and you aren’t doing that you aren’t bringing a lot else to the table.

“Over the last week to 10 days he’s got that confidence back and I’ve had a word with him. I said, ‘we need someone like you to come off the bench and give us something else that we haven’t got’.

“He can play either side and can put a decent ball in and so I’m hoping he’s taken that on board. “He’s worked really hard in training on Monday and Tuesday and now we’ve got to see if he can put it to practice in the reserves and if he does then he’ll be included (in the squad).”

The Gillingham team will be predominantly made up of youth team players and there will also be a place up-front for first team striker Gary Mulligan.

The game kicks off at 2pm. Season ticket holders get in for free, adults pay £3 and concessions £1.