Gillingham are a team on the up, insists fit-again defender Alex Lacey.

The former Yeovil Town player-of-the-year is fighting his way to get back in the side and admits it’s tough.

Wins might not have been too frequent for the Gills of late but the performances have suggested they have the ability to get out of League 1’s bottom four.

Lacey said: “It will be tough to get back in the team but it is about taking that chance when it comes. The form under Steve Lovell has been good and we are a team on the up.

“We have had a few unfortunate results but overall we have done well. It’s been good to watch and I am looking forward to coming back and being involved.”

Getting in the team and staying there is now Lacey’s aim but the central defensive position is, arguably, the most keenly fought in the squad. International defender Gabriel Zakuani was left out at the weekend, keeping Lacey company on the bench at Plymouth.

“Competition is good at the moment,” said the 24-year-old. “It pushes each other to play at a high level because you know there is that competition waiting to be involved.

“It is up to whoever gets a chance to keep their place in the team. They have been in good form, especially since Steve Lovell took over, while I was out injured.”

Lacey was a regular starter under former boss Ady Pennock but picked up a training ground injury shortly into Peter Taylor’s brief reign. A twisted ankle left him on the sidelines for two months.

He said: “I am feeling good now. I have been back in training for a few weeks, it has been frustrating to be out for so long.

“I played 90 minutes in the Checkatrade game the other week and I played half a reserve game against Ebbsfleet, so fitness-wise I am getting there, I am not far off.

“Hopefully, now if I get a chance I can capitalise and stay in the team.”

Read the full interview in this week's Medway Messenger.