by Luke Cawdell

Gillingham could be missing first-choice keeper Simon Royce for the important Christmas period after a car accident.

Royce (pictured) suffered neck and knee injuries and looks like being sidelined for several weeks.

It’s a further blow to Gills boss Mark Stimson, who has been plagued by injury problems to his squad this season.

Gillingham moved closer to the League 1 drop zone following Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Huddersfield and face fellow strugglers Stockport, Brentford and Exeter before the year is out and Royce’s absence is a big loss.

Stimson said: "I’m praying it’s only (for) a couple of weeks because he has been a big player for us but until we get the scan results we will have to see."

He added: "He’s been a big part of the team and he will be missed but I thought Alan Julian stepped in and was outstanding on Saturday."

Stimson was without a spare keeper at Huddersfield but he hopes to bring in a youngster to sit on the bench this weekend. The transfer window is closed but clubs are permitted to sign goalkeepers on emergency loan deals.

Stand-in keeper Julian remains on the transfer list, which he joined at his own request, after failing to remove Royce from the No.1 spot. He now has the chance to show what he can do.