Goalkeeper Tomas Holy did exactly what was asked of him last weekend, to the delight of Gills boss Steve Lovell.

The Gills were vulnerable to set-pieces at Sunderland, twice conceding from corners in the opening 10 minutes, and Lovell was keen to stamp out their weakness.

Key to that has been getting the big Czech keeper to take control of his area.

“We had words with him about it last week,” Lovell said.

“I wanted him to come for everything and I didn’t care if he missed things. If he went and missed at least we knew he was coming and people could react to it.

“On Saturday he was so dominant. He was really good with the balls in the box and he can do it, there is no doubt. He has to do it more because it helps our back four if he does.

“I always judge keepers on the way they command their area. Most can make saves, but it is that aerial bombardment and I thought he was excellent.”

The Gills also ensured he wasn’t crowded out.

Lovell added: “We did a bit of work on how it is best for Tomas to defend from corners and we worked on a couple of things that perhaps would help him, like not having too many people around him in the six-yard area.

“He had space (on Saturday) to get the ball and he got everything.

“I was really pleased for Tomas, he was a much more positive goalkeeper who commanded his area and that is what I like to see.”

He was also there to make a double save from Adebayo Akinfenwa just moments after the Gills had gone a goal up through Regan Charles-Cook.

His first block was with his head.

Lovell said: “He was there, he is six foot nine, he has done well and that is what he is there for, but he has been great, especially recently.”

The Gills manager also praised his back four, including right-back Luke O’Neill who is beginning to get back to his best having lost out to Barry Fuller in the team for much of the season.

Fuller is now settling in on the left side.

Connor Ogilvie, meanwhile, has impressed alongside Max Ehmer as a replacement for injured captain Gabriel Zakuani in the middle.

“Connor has done great,” said Lovell.

“He and Max are forming a nice little partnership and we have the experience with Barry as well, who has been great for us and Luke is back to the Luke of old.”