Gillingham boss Peter Taylor conceded that his decision to loan Callum Davies to Dover has backfired.

Davies joined Skrill South Dover just days before Taylor lost fellow defenders Leon Legge and Ryan Inniss to injury.

“We probably could have done with Callum around,” admitted the Gills boss, to the club website on Friday.

"But nobody has a crystal ball and we didn’t realise we would lose two centre-backs.

“It is always a risk (to send someone on loan) but I took it and it’s backfired. If someone could tell me exactly what will happen in the future, then they can come and be my assistant.”

Davies signed for Whites on a deal until the end of the season. He can’t be recalled within the first 28 days.

He started for Dover on Saturday when they beat Staines 1-0 at Crabble. Former Gills player Barry Cogan scored the winner.

The Gills recalled Devante McKain from a loan spell at Bromley on Thursday and had youngster Josh Hare among the travelling party at Leyton Orient on Saturday.