GILLINGHAM'S player-manager Andy Hessenthaler has effectively ruled out striker Rod Wallace from making his debut against Millwall at Priestfield on Saturday.

The summer signing from Bolton continues to be worried by a groin injury and Hessenthaler doesn't want to rush him back too quickly.

He said: "He has got to be touch and go for the weekend. He is working hard, but can't get through a full session without it reacting at the moment. I will probably take the doctors advice and not risk him this week. We have got no games next week so hopefully he can have a decent week's training leading up to the Norwich game."

Meanwhile youngsters Andrew Crofts and Michael Phillips are also on the treatment table. Crofts is recovering from tendinitis while Phillips has been ordered to rest after suffering calf problems in pre-season.