Defender hoping the squad can defy the odds and secure victory over Pompey at Priestfield on Saturday.
Hard-working defender Robbie McKenzie insists that Gillingham Football Club will never back down, even when everything seems to be going against them. Ahead of Saturday’s Sky Bet League One fixture with Portsmouth, McKenzie says that he is plotting to upset the odds against an in-form team unbeaten in eight.
Speaking to the local press, the former Hull man said: “What you get from this team is that everyone is going to give it everything they have got. A win on Saturday would raise our confidence massively. You can’t let the results get you down but you have also got to find the confidence to push on and try and get some points on the board.
“Nobody wants to be out injured, they want to be out there playing. It’s tough for the ones who are out, but it’s tough for those out on the pitch as well. I had a tough injury when I got into the team and I had a little niggle with it. I’m back in the team again and it’s good to be back out there. There are a few who are battered and bruised but we need to give it everything on Saturday.
“Portsmouth have found a bit of form but form can only last for so long. Hopefully we are the ones to end that little run. It will be nice to see Connor Ogilvie, we were good mates when he was here. We know what he is about. Me and Connor are good friends so it will be nice to get the bragging rights.”
The Gills defender didn’t expect to be one of the more senior players this season, but a recent injury crisis which has ripped through Gillingham’s squad has seen the 23-year-old become one of the more experienced pros in the changing room.
“It’s weird being one of the more senior players,” McKenzie admitted. “But the young lads have done well and they just need to keep doing that. The youngsters want to impress and they want to be out on that pitch on a Saturday or a Tuesday night. If they impress and do well, then that’s we need. They are having to learn quickly but I feel we are doing well as a team to show them support.”
Despite a horrendous casualty list making the Gills underdogs against a former Premier League outfit, McKenzie believes the crowd can play their part at the weekend by raising the noise and roaring the home side on.
He said: “The home fans have been great all season and they will be massive on Saturday; they are like a 12th man. I didn’t experience it last season because of COVID but this year they have been brilliant. We need that again on Saturday.”