Concussion protocols meant midfielder Timothee Dieng was unavailable to face his old team on Tuesday - and Gillingham boss Neil Harris felt they missed him in their 2-0 defeat to Bradford.

Harris admits Dieng - who spent two seasons with the Bantams between 2016 and 2018 - might still be absent this Saturday at Harrogate.

Harris said: “With the concussion protocol you have to tick certain boxes each day and he has probably been a little behind the curve. I don’t know about Saturday but if not then definitely next Tuesday [at Stockport].

“We do miss his experience and his leadership and his quality.”

A groin injury has kept full-back Robbie McKenzie sidelined in the last two matches while Alex MacDonald was missing on Tuesday.

Harris said: “Having one or two players back available will be a real bonus.

“We have to be patient with Robbie. Macca was ill. I wasn’t aware he was ill during the game [last Saturday], he certainly didn’t play like he was ill, but he’s been on antibiotics and we hope he picks up quickly before the weekend.”

It meant a return for captain Stuart O’Keefe against Bradford after missing five games. He lasted 55 minutes.

“We put Stuey in the 11 because we went with the diamond,” Harris said. “Stuart O’Keefe has played his best football of his career in a diamond, I thought the more experience would help.

“Stuey is getting his head down and working hard. He is frustrated, he wants to play, and as far as I’m concerned if players are in the building they are available for me to pick.

“If they show the right characteristics and qualities as men and professionals, then they are available.

“I have made it very clear with other personnel that they won’t feature for me again, but I brought in Stuart and Hakeeb (Adelakun), players who are training well, and they will feature if I choose to pick them.”