Jermaine McGlashan hopes to hang on to a place in Gillingham’s starting XI.

The Gills wide-man made his first start in 10 games at Crewe last Saturday

He said: “It’s been frustrating to not play and my last start before that was against Leyton Orient (on November 15).

“It has been about coming off the bench for me. It was nice to start and be involved.”

McGlashan started out as the attacking player at the top of a diamond in midfield before moving to a more accustomed right-wing role.

He said: “It was nice to play at the top of the diamond but when I switched to the right, that was bread and butter for me.

“It would be nice to get a run in the team now.”

Gillingham didn’t get a lot of luck last Saturday, with two refereeing decisions going against them in the build-up to the first and third Crewe goal.

McGlashan hopes that luck will change when they host Coventry City tomorrow (Saturday).

“I don’t want to talk about the referee too much but things didn’t go our way,” said the 26-year-old.

“When you are down where we are in the table, stuff does seem to go against you. We gave it a right go in the second half and possibly left ourselves a bit open but the third goal was controversial. We were unlucky.”

McGlashan remembers the previous match against Coventry only too well.

A return to their home stadium – the Ricoh Arena – that night led to a packed ground, a big atmosphere but only a narrow win for the hosts.

“You don’t forget atmospheres like that,” said McGlashan, recalling the live televised game in September.

“It was probably one of the biggest atmospheres I have played in. Everything was about Coventry from the TV commentary. It was nice to be involved and we nearly spoilt the party.”

Like the Gills, Coventry have struggled for points this season.

McGlashan acknowledged the team needed some wins to arrive soon but feels it’s too early to be talking of relegation scraps.

He said: “I don’t think it is squeaky bum time yet. There is no hiding from the fact that we need to start picking up some points but there are so many games to play and points to play for.

“When you start getting back- to-back wins, then the table can look so different.

“It is important we start getting points, for confidence as
well.

“It is frustrating to look at the table and I don’t really look after a game, because it is
upsetting.

“Hopefully soon, I can start looking at the table and enjoying it.”