Max Ehmer’s “outstanding” form for the Gills has eased manager Justin Edinburgh’s defensive concerns.

Gillingham have been left short of defensive cover after Deji Oshilaja returned to Cardiff this week.

German centre-half Ehmer lost his place in the side to Oshilaja and was also left out when Edinburgh brought in Charlton’s Harry Lennon.

With both loanees now back at their parent clubs Ehmer is making the most of his time back in the side.

Edinburgh said: “Since Max came in he has been absolutely outstanding and we knew we had a ready-made replacement here at the club (when Oshilaja left).

“He has had to be very patient, probably more than any other player in the group.

“We signed him here as being the no.1 centre-half but unfortunately he didn’t get the nod at the start of the season.

“Deji came in and then Harry came in but we’ve seen that he wasn’t going to let another opportunity pass him by. He stepped in and has been top drawer.”

Ehmer was a summer signing from QPR

but has been limited to just 12 appearances so far this season.

The 23-year-old had started Gills' previous two games, helping the side to clean sheets in both.