by Matthew Panting

Mark Stimson has urged his Gillingham players to grab their chance while they can.

The Gills boss has been busy strengthening his squad during the January transfer window, bringing in four new faces including striker James Walker from Southend on Monday.

And after dropping regulars John Nutter and Chris Palmer in recent weeks, he is ready to keep changing his side until he gets the winning formula.

"It was hard to leave players out last week who were getting in the team but that’s what I want," said Stimson.

"The next four to six weeks are going to be important for us to stay in this division."

Stimson has been keen to eradicate any complacency in his ranks ahead of a crucial run of games against teams in and around them in the bottom half of League 1.

The Gills travel to Brentford tomorrow (Saturday), host Tranmere at Priestfield on Tuesday before travelling to Yeovil next weekend.

Stimson said: "As a player you want to feel that you are going to play every week but you can’t get comfortable with it and we had that about four weeks ago.

"Certain players were coming in and probably thinking ‘I don’t see anyone in my position’ and they did just enough. The level of training has been raised a bit because there are people fighting for places."

Stimson confirmed that new signing Walker will be on the bench at Brentford as he doesn’t want to break up the Simeon Jackson and Rene Howe strike partnership.

Stimson has no new injury concerns with Curtis Weston pushing for a recall in midfield after starting last week’s goalless draw with Walsall on the bench.