It’s not been easy for captain Shaun Williams at Gillingham admits the head coach.

Experienced midfielder Williams hasn’t made a league appearance since Stephen Clemence took charge of the Gillingham team, with his only appearances being off the bench in two FA Cup matches.

More: Timescale put on midfielder’s expected absence

Williams, 37, was made captain by former boss Neil Harris but his last league appearance came at the end of October, coming off the bench in a 2-0 home loss to Newport County.

Clemence admits much of it has to do with the form of 24-year-old Ethan Coleman who has been enjoying a decent season as the preferred defensive midfield man.

The Gills head coach was asked about Williams’ continued absence and said: “Ethan has been fantastic since I arrived and the games I saw before he was excellent as well.

“He’s arguably been our best player this season and the fans would tell you that as well. The players as well have been really impressed with Ethan.

“It has been difficult for Shaun. He has had a really good career and still wants to play, but I haven’t been able to offer him the game-time he would like.

“I find it difficult to even get that position onto the bench at times because I try and cover other areas. I believe I have got players who can play in a couple of positions and they might be defenders but they can play in midfield.

“It is difficult but the way he has trained, the way he has conducted himself, I have seen players in that position where they have thrown their toys out of the pram, and be a nuisance, but there has been none of that.

“He has been excellent on the training ground every day, and it has been difficult, it has not been easy at all for him.”

Clemence has also said that Jayden Clarke’s opportunity in the side has been made tough since the change in formation to 3-5-2 and said: “He needs to keep working hard in training and wait for that opportunity.”