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Gillingham's youth players get chance to stake their claims in final pre-season friendlies

Gillingham midfielder Dean Rance
Gillingham midfielder Dean Rance

Gillingham play their final two pre-season outings in two days this week but manager Andy Hessenthaler won’t be risking any first-team players.

Gillingham travel to Blue Square Bet Premier side Ebbsfleet on Monday before taking on Kent Invicta League Bly Spartans on Tuesday night in Strood.

Hessenthaler will field young professionals including Dean Rance, pictured, Callum Davies and Tom Brunt against Ebbsfleet, along with forward Stefan Payne if he has sufficiently recovered from a groin injury.

Simon King, who missed out Saturday's defeat to Peterborough with a bug, could also be included as may Dennis Oli, who is hoping to recover lost ground after missing out last week with a back injury.

A youth team will be sent to Bly to officially unveil the club’s floodlights and both Hessenthaler and coach Nicky Southall are planning to play.

“We’ll have a run-out with the youth team boys,” said the club’s 45-year-old boss.

“I haven’t done anything (to prepare) and it will be interesting to see how long I last!”

A youthful Gillingham team played out a goalless draw at Ryman League Faversham in a friendly on Thursday night.

Don't miss Friday's Medway Messenger for all the latest Gills news and interviews ahead of the new season.

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