Andy Hessenthaler gave his entire squad a run out over the weekend's friendly wins at Bishops Stortford and Ebbsfleet and the Gills Manager was encouraged by his team's displays, "We used the opportunity over the two games to play two different teams for 90 minutes.
"We got a lot out of it and it's a good test of the lads' fitness. We've learned a bit today but then you start to get a picture and you lose a player. Barry Fuller would be in my plans to start, now all of a sudden he may not be. We're gradually getting there though.
"It's a fresh start now and they've all got a chance to get into my team on August 7th. They've worked hard and they've all impressed me."
The loss of Barry Fuller is sure to be a major blow and Hessy revealed that his influential skipper is not the club's only injury concern, "Over the last couple of days we have picked up a couple of injuries. We've lost Dennis Oli for four to six weeks with a torn hamstring so that's why he hasn't been involved.
"Cody McDonald is still struggling slightly with his foot but hopefully he'll be fit for the Hearts game and we'll have to wait and see on Barry but it looks like a medial ligament injury. As every body knows that could take a bit of time.
"He'll be a loss because he's been fantastic since I've taken over at the club. He's a proper captain and he will certainly be a loss to us."
The Gills Manager also took time out to praise new signing Danny Spiller and explained his thoughts behind the players five month deal, "My main reason was because of his injuries but as soon as I offered him the deal there was no hesitation. He even phoned up the Chairman and thanked him for giving him another chance
"That just shows you the appetite from Danny Spiller.If you were at the Bishops Stortford game you'll have seen that he was exceptional. His work rate and effort was frightening and his fitness levels, I've never seen anything like it.
"A five month contract makes Danny Spiller very hungry and I'll be very surprised if he doesn't end up being here for the next couple of years, if he keeps his head right, keeps working hard and puts in the performances that he's shown since he arrived back here in pre-season."
Spiller was joined at Priestfield this week by former youth team defender Tony Sinclair who Hessy believes can big a played for the club this season, "I think he's been tremendous. I know people will mention about non-league players but he came through the youth section at Gillingham.
He's gone away, played non-league and grown up. I think he's going to be an asset to the football club and he's only 25 so he can only get better and stronger. You could see in his performance today, he's not the biggest but he's got a fantastic leap, he's athletic and can slot it at right-back.
He's hungry to do well at a professional level and I think you need players like that. We've also done a deal with Lance Cronin and he should sign on Monday. We gave him ten minutes at the end at Ebbsfleet and you could see that he's obviously well thought of at this football club.
