Justin Edinburgh is dealing with his own nerves as he tries to stop Gillingham tumbling out of the play-offs.

Manager Edinburgh spoke openly after a 2-0 defeat by Port Vale on Saturday left Gills clinging on to their place in the top six.

They’re only two points ahead of seventh-placed Barnsley in the final play-off spot following two wins in 11 games and the pressure will be on at fellow contenders Rochdale on Tuesday night.

Asked if he gets nervous, Edinburgh said: “Course you do. More than I did as a player because I can’t affect on that pitch what goes on and I can’t let that anger and the frustration out that I used to do as a player.

“I’m trying not to smile because I don’t want people to think I don’t care but it’s an unbelievable game that sends us to the edge and adrenaline takes us places we’ve never been.

“Come Tuesday that goes again. I’m low at the minute but I will never show anyone that.

“Nerves – how do you deal with them? It’s all on the day really but I wouldn’t change this for the world.

“Nerves affect people in different ways. I used to find when nerves got to me I just couldn’t move my legs. It was unbelievable but somehow your mind makes you overcome that and deal with that. If and when that comes we’ll do our hardest to deal with that.”