A lack of experience is of no concern to Gillingham boss Justin Edinburgh.

The majority of Edinburgh’s outfield squad are in their early 20s.

Chelsea loanee Jordan Houghton is only 19 while Brennan Dickenson, Bradley Dack, Bradley Garmston and Jake Hessenthaler are all 21.

Cody McDonald, who turned 29 in May, is the oldest outfield player.

Edinburgh said: “We will fall short on experience at times but in terms of effort, commitment, legs and working for each other, that certainly won’t be a cause for concern.

“There will be times we will come up against teams who will punish our lack of experience, there is no doubt, but it’s not a worry.

“It is there. It is not a concern, I understand it and I am aware of it.

“This is a very young, excitable squad, with great endeavour and enthusiasm for the game who have great pride in playing for this football club.

“I will be prepared to suffer some set-backs through lack of experience but what will outweigh that will be their enthusiasm and desire to be successful for the football club.”

Seven pages of Gills coverage, ahead of their season opener against Sheffield United, in this Friday's Medway Messenger newspaper.