Peter Taylor is confident John Egan has the character to bounce back quickly from Tuesday night’s blow.

The former Sunderland defender was in the wrong place at the wrong time as he diverted a cross into his own net against Newcastle United in the Capital One Cup. It proved to be the only goal of the game.

Gills boss Taylor said: “I thought it was a little unlucky for John and being a Sunderland boy as well.

“Thankfully, he has a great head on him. He is a great character and will be fine.”

It wasn’t the first time this season the Gills had given the opposition a helping hand.

Two own goals were scored against MK Dons on the opening day of the season and Gillingham’s previous home game, against Swindon Town in the league, saw keeper Stephen Bywater bundle a cross into his own net.

“It’s incredible but that’s the way it goes and hopefully there will be no more,” said Taylor.

“I don’t think it is anything we are doing wrong. It is just people trying to get in the way of certain things.”