Neil Harris previews the visit of Bolton to Priestfield.
Gills boss Neil Harris says Bolton will present another stern test as his side look to further reduce the gap to League 1 safety.
Since Harris joined the club, the team has been solid defensively and been a difficult outfit to break down.
The former Millwall and Cardiff manager has been impressed with what he has seen so far and is holding his players to the standards that they have set themselves since he took charge.
“For us, with whatever team is selected, we will be organised and structured," he said. "Tactically with and without the ball, we will have a plan. The players have executed those plans unbelievably well in the first seven games, and I will expect the same standards on Saturday.”
Harris is expecting a tough challenge on Saturday, with Bolton being the opponent. The two sides drew 2-2 in the reverse fixture, and the Wanderers have been on a run that has seen them climb into the top half of the League One table.
They have play-off aspirations and made some big moves in the January transfer window. One signing was former Gills captain Kyle Dempsey. Despite the difficult task that they will present, the Gills manager is relishing the challenge.
“They’re a big club at this level with good players. They invested well in January, heavily, but well also. They’ve had good results since doing that as well," he added.
“We know that it’s going to be another tough game. It will be one that we look forward to.”
Ahead of the fixture, Harris will have some decisions to make surrounding his starting XI. Ben Reeves has been involved throughout the last three fixtures, while Mustapha Carayol has returned to the bench.
Both players have been training throughout the week, but their status ahead of the game remains in doubt.
“We’re being very careful because, in some ways, we probably escalated their return because of needs must. We all understand that at the moment.
“We have to be careful to find the balance between training them and recovering them from previous injuries. They’ve both been on the grass this week, but where they are for Saturday, we will have to see.”