Gillingham’s management team had no doubts about throwing Robbie Cundy straight into action on Tuesday and the newcomer made a big first impression.

Cundy helped Cambridge United to a clean-sheet on Saturday but parent club Bristol City were keen to see him move up a level and after switching clubs he helped the Gills beat Crewe Alexandra 4-1 in a midweek game at Priestfield.

The towering centre-half lined up alongside Jack Tucker at the back for the Gills and only a late goal from Crewe’s Chris Porter denied him a second shutout of the week.

“We had no doubts about starting him,” said assistant boss Paul Raynor.

“We’ve been looking for that elusive centre back and we had scouted him for a long time now. I don’t think Cambridge were too impressed when we nicked him off them but we have a good relationship with Bristol City. The manager there (Dean Holden) is a good friend of the gaffer (Steve Evans), they have done their badges together up in Scotland.

“We were very impressed with him in the EFL Trophy against us and we monitored him. We asked the question, ‘would he be available to step up a level from League 2’ and they said they want him to play at a higher level, to test him and to have a good look at him.

“We are delighted with him but we won’t get carried away. It was a good first performance from him but he needs to build on that.”

Robins boss Holden is keen to see the defender stepping up a level and said: “He's had a good loan at Cambridge at that level.

“I spoke to Steve Evans at the weekend and he's shown some interest in him and Brian Tinnion spoke to him as well. It's a step up to League 1 for him and a good move. We're looking forward to seeing how he gets on with that.”

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