Loan defender Harry Lennon is helping to keep Gillingham’s defence on their toes.

The Charlton centre-back, pictured, has yet to play since signing in November and is on loan until January 3.

Boss Peter Taylor has been reluctant to use Lennon while his defence have been performing well, but warns them one mistake could be costly with the 20-year-old waiting in the wings.

Taylor said: “I really do like him. He is a good player and if anyone slips up and he steps into that team then he will do well. I have told Charlton and I have told Harry that.

“He hasn’t started yet. He has been a little bit unlucky because we have looked solid in the last few games. I think he will get his chance and he will grab it.”

Taylor’s team face Chesterfield at Priestfield on Saturday in their last game before Christmas. Lennon has been keeping match-fit by appearing for Charlton’s under-21s. He played at the Addicks’ Sparrows Lane training ground on Monday in a 2-0 victory against Queens Park Rangers.

“Harry understands,” said Taylor. “He has kept his fitness going by playing a couple of under-21 games and that was the agreement on the youth loan. I am very pleased that I got Harry Lennon in.”

The Gills kept a clean sheet a fortnight ago against Leyton Orient and only conceded last weekend at Doncaster through a dubious injury-time penalty.