Dean Parrett is at the front of the queue to replace Billy Bingham in Gillingham’s midfield.

Bingham is set to be sidelined for the next few weeks after picking up a calf injury in the 1-0 win at Wycombe last weekend. Parrett was his replacement and he excelled.

“He has waited for his opportunity and I thought he took it,” said Gills manager Steve Lovell.

“When boys come on and take their chance like Dean Parrett, it answers all the questions. He has come on and done a job so he deserves to keep his place.

“Deano loves to get forward and it is something we have worked on. If he is going to get forward then someone else is going to sit in and take his place.”

Alex Lacey and recent signing Ricky Holmes are close to seeing off injuries, with home games against Oxford (next Saturday) or Bristol Rovers (Tuesday, March 12) possible.

Bingham has suffered a catalogue of injuries since joining the Gills 18 months ago and Lovell believes the player just has to keep focused.

He said: “I feel sorry for him, but all you can do is try and get yourself back as quick as you can. We still have nine weeks left.

“I was out for a year with an injury once. It is a horrible place to be but you have to be strong, mentally, and it is what football means to you.

• Lovell on Bingham: I am so disappointed for him

“I remember at Millwall going into the ground on my own for nine months, working in the gym, because you know what the rewards are when you come back out the other side.

“Billy is a great character. He will work hard and he just has to motivate himself.”

Youngsters Aaron Simpson and Bradley Stevenson are also being treated for injuries.