Connor Ogilvie has been described by Gills boss Steve Evans as “levels above” after heading in Saturday’s winner.

Ogilvie - who has continued to attract interest over the summer after a great 2019/20 campaign - has made a habit of scoring winning goals for Evans’ side.

The defender scored winners against Sunderland, Rochdale and Southend in League 1 last season and was once again the man to sink the Essex side, this time in the Carabao Cup first round clash.

“He is a wonderful player,” said Evans.

“He has a big season ahead, he knows that, he has been working incredible hard and I think all the boys have. They all deserve enormous credit.

“Connor Ogilvie’s movement is very sharp, he is levels above, and the biggest complement I could pay is that he could play for any team in the Championship. He would be equal to what they have got but he is not, he is going to have a big season for us and help us on our objectives.”

Ogilvie netted from a corner, diverting Kyle Dempsey's delivery beyond the Southend keeper.

Evans knows there is work to be done and they lacked quality on Saturday but felt the determination shown was crucial, especially when down to 10 men.

Gills were low on numbers for the match and bringing in new faces remains a high priority with the League 1 opener against Hull City a week away.

“Saturday’s game demonstrated we need to strengthen the group,” Evans said.

“We were one short on the bench and we had young Henry Woods and Joe Walsh on there. Jordan Graham has a little niggle and he was the only one missing.

“Over the course of the season there will be times when you have three or four missing, through injuries and suspension.

“There are a couple of things that need to be resolved. Brandon Hanlan ( their out of contract striker ), his issue needs to be resolved. He needs to start taking the advice of people around him that really care for him, rather than agents.”

Evans is already looking at strikers with the no.9 shirt yet to be claimed.

“We have some people that we are talking to.” he said.

“All being well there will be a couple at the top end of the pitch.

“The chairman has always been supportive and we’re doing what we can.”

Match report: Gills 1 Southend United 0

Reaction: 'Determination and willingness got us through'