GILLINGHAM manager Andy Hessenthaler is facing the unique experience of losing players to international duty.

Not since Tony Cascarino was called up by the Republic of Ireland 12 years ago have Gillingham lost a player to an international call.

Now Gillingham have lost striker Mamady Sidibe, who is attending a training camp with the Mali squad in preparation for forthcoming African Nations’ qualifiers, while goalkeeper Jason Brown is training with the Wales Under-21 squad.

Hessenthaler confessed he could hardly believe he was losing two players to international calls and hinted he might lose a third. He said: “It just shows how far the club has come. I’m pleased for Big Mama and Jason. He has yet to concede a goal this season and that will do his confidence a power of good.

“Let's hope we can get a couple more called up. The way Nyron’s going who knows? He might get called up for England. You never know.”