Gillingham’s manager Neil Harris was looking around for leaders on Tuesday night after resting his captain.

Scott Malone was picked to wear the armband at Crewe but Harris could see few others taking responsibility.

More: Manager frustrated after a missed opportunity at Crewe

Following their 2-0 loss at Crewe, Harris said: “For me, I look at the mentality and the leadership, that’s key, they have to find that leadership within them and they have to do it quickly if they want to play.

“It can’t be down to just Scott Malone as captain, because he is a leader at his age now, he leads by example every day he trains and he demands from people around him but others have to step up and find it.

“We’re too quiet as a group, I don’t see enough desire within the group to want to lead.”

Williams turns 37 later on this month and it was decided not to include him at Crewe, having played the full match last weekend against Mansfield Town.

Harris said: “I am just respectful to his age and when he goes 90 minutes on a Saturday he is going to struggle on a Tuesday. I accept that.

“The old boy is such an important player for us and ultimately he has been our best player this season. We missed him hugely.

“People have to step up and take responsibility and it is not just about what Shaun brings, with a calmness and intercepting play and a calmness on the football, it is the leadership qualities that he shows that we miss.

“I talked about it all summer, we wanted to recruit for it (the leadership) and I am looking at the moment and thinking where is it?

“We have to find it within ourselves, within the group, to make sure when we go to places like Grimsby, Doncaster and Crewe, we have to be harder to beat.”