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Gillingham manager Neil Harris is going to have decisions to make over his goalkeeping department.
First-choice keeper Glenn Morris joined on loan from Crawley at the start of the campaign after an injury in pre-season to Charlton’s Ashley Maynard-Brewer, just weeks after he had agreed a season-long loan.
Jake Turner has been Morris’ understudy this term, signing on a permanent deal in the summer after his release by Newcastle United.
Maynard-Brewer suffered a dislocated shoulder in a pre-season match at Dover but is fit again and has recently played for Charlton’s under-23s. His loan deal with the Gills remains in place.
Harris has been delighted with the form of 38-year-old experienced stopper Morris, restricting Turner to cup football, where he has also impressed. It was the back-up keeper who played for the Gills at Brentford. The Gills boss could look to extend Morris' deal, or make it permanent. Crawley, however, could recall their man having changed managers since the summer deal was agreed.
Maynard-Brewer could go elsewhere, freeing up Gills’ commitment. Including the Charlton goalie, Harris has six loan men on his book so there is likely to be a lot to consider. Only five loan players can feature in a matchday squad.
Elkan Baggott has become a big part of the team, on loan from Ipswich, while winger Hakeeb Adelakun (Lincoln) and left-back Ryan Law (Plymouth) have had plenty of football. Portsmouth loanee Haji Mnoga has endured a frustrating spell and he might benefit from a move elsewhere in January.
On the goalkeeping department, Harris said: “We have had early discussions with clubs and in house, Ash came in to be no.1 and would have started the season but got injured.
"We are pleased to see Jake here on a longer contract because we see development with him, He might be slightly older than Ash but players develop at different ages and stages.
“We are really pleased with the games Jake has played and the contribution he has had so far but I felt that when we lost Ash (to injury) maybe Jake wasn’t ready for 25-28 games at the start of the season, that’s when we went and got Glenn Morris, who has been magnificent.
“There have been conversations but it is not overly straightforward at the moment, because Glenn and Ash are loans. I certainly have some ideas in my head but we need to see how the next three to four weeks goes at the club, with injuries, suspensions, recalls, and we will take it from there.”
Charlton boss Ben Garner is keen for Maynard-Brewer to play again.
He said: “We need to have a conversation with Gillingham to see where they are.
"They brought in another goalkeeper who, by all accounts, has done very well.
"He is now getting up to full fitness. If he is going back there to play then brilliant. If he’s going to sit on the bench then I’d prefer to keep him here.
“We’ll have that conversation and decide what is right for us and Ashley.”
Turner’s impressive cup form might not be enough to shift Morris from the no.1 spot this weekend for Gillingham, when they host Northampton Town at Priestfield.
Harris said: “I am clear in my mind who will play Saturday, it is not difficult, both goalkeepers have been excellent.
“Glenn is arguably one of our top three performers this season in my opinion, I don’t think many will differ from that, Jake when he has played has been excellent as well.
“I am really pleased with that department, probably the standout department for us at the football club, really pleased with both.”
When January comes, Harris will certainly be looking to make additions, saying: “The boys just need some help, so often we have been light in numbers and not always had a plan B to go to, not always had strength in depth to be able to go to.
“There might be some players that come January think they haven’t quite had a look in or might want to go closer to home, I am always understanding to people’s needs, but the group just needs some support and players around them to improve them.”