by Luke Cawdell

Gillingham boss Mark Stimson has told his players to stay away from the club for two days in a bid to beat a cold bug that is threatening to sweep through the playing staff.

The Gills manager has already been hit by the illness, along with goalkeeper Simon Royce and midfielder Mark Bentley, who were both touch and go for Saturday’s goalless draw against Carlisle at Priestfield.

With the Gills facing a daunting trip to Huddersfield this weekend, Stimson has told his players to stay away on Monday, hoping that should do the trick.

Stimson (pictured) said: "Royce did really well to turn out on Saturday. He and Mark Bentley rolled their sleeves up for us and started the game.

"Mark Bentley did his best and fair play to him - you can’t ask for any more than that. Royce had a bad night and I didn’t think he would make it."

He added: "We decided to give everyone Sunday and Monday off because there is a bit of it going around. All that does is pass germs from one person to someone who hasn’t got it.

"Hopefully we can come in on Tuesday and prepare for Saturday’s game."