Centre-back confident that a fully fit Gills squad can compete with anyone in the division.
Gillingham defender Rhys Bennett is adamant that Gillingham should show “no fear” when they meet Ipswich on Saturday.
Big Vadaine Oliver, Ryan Jackson and Max Ehmer returned to great effect in the starting 11 for last weekend’s impressive draw with MK Dons, and now with the much-awaited return of Kyle Dempsey on the training pitch, the Gills will be better equipped to tackle the Tractor Boys. Bennett, who struck a very confident tone when he faced the local media ahead of this weekend’s fixture, believes that the fortunes at ME7 are finally about to change.
“Now we have numbers back, it feels good” admitted Bennett. “When we have a fully fit squad we can be competitive in this league. If we can have a good run until the end of the season then I will be happy with that.
“It will be a great game against Ipswich and it’s a great test for us. They have obviously spent big in the summer.”
With four home matches at MEMS Priestfield in January, Bennett believes the notoriously loud backing of the Gills faithful will give the home side the edge as they look to propel themselves out of the relegation zone and away from danger.
“It makes a huge difference to be at home,” he said. “Hopefully we can get a decent points tally over these upcoming home fixtures. We will be well supported against Ipswich, hopefully our fans can get behind us and we can get a positive result. We don’t need to fear anyone in this league.”
Tom Dickson-Peters, who recently joined on loan from Premier League side Norwich City, further bolsters the numbers and his signing looks a shrewd one. The 19-year-old striker has plundered 18 goals in all competitions this year, has assisted a further six and is the leading scorer in the second division of the Professional U23 Development League.
Bennett said: “He is obviously a good signing. He is a young lad but he will do well for us. In training I've been pleased that he's been on my team! He's a big lad for his age. I'm sure he will be a bit nervous but as a group we are doing our best to help him settle.”