All of Gillingham’s development squad players have been offered the chance to go out on loan.

Last Saturday youngsters Jake Hessenthaler and Tom Derry made their debuts for new clubs – and more could follow.

Gills manager Martin Allen said: “We have offered all our (development) players the chance to go out and play on loan.

“We will see which ones can go out and get men’s football and that adjustment is all part of their development for their long-term future.

“It’s not just men’s football, it’s the crowd, the team coach, playing at 3pm on a Saturday afternoon and Tuesday nights at 7.45pm.

“It starts to get them used to the experience and for playing to win points rather than playing games at our training ground and, obviously, playing against men. The physical different is remarkable.

“That’s why they have to work so hard here, so it prepares them and they get into men’s football. It is part of the long journey that they are all on.”

Midfielder Hessenthaler (pictured) has joined Margate and was instrumental in their 3-1 win over Harrow Borough on Saturday.

Hessenthaler said: “It is great being involved in the men’s game, having played a lot of under-21 football. There’s nothing like three points up for grabs.”

He was in action again on Tuesday, when the team drew 1-1 with Enfield Town.

Newly-recruited forward Derry, meanwhile, has joined Chelmsford City. He made his debut on Monday night in a 2-2 draw with Concord Rangers.

Derry is now team-mates with goalkeeper Tommy Forecast, who left the Gills in the summer.