Bradley Dack made his first appearance of the season for Gillingham in their Jersey Mike’s Trophy defeat against Cambridge United at Priestfield

Gillingham manager Gareth Ainsworth has urged fans to be patient with Bradley Dack after the star midfielder made his long-awaited return to action.

Dack came off the bench at half-time in Tuesday night's 4-1 EFL Trophy defeat against Cambridge United, getting his first minutes since the opening game of pre-season at Dover.

It was a significant step forward for the 32-year-old, who has been sidelined by injury, but Ainsworth knows there is still plenty of work to do before Dack is ready to make his mark in League Two.

And while Ainsworth was delighted to have one of his most experienced players back on the pitch, he was quick to stress that Dack needs time.

He said: “It was nice to see him on the pitch. He's definitely a player that you want on the pitch in big form.

“I think to expect too much from Dacky early on is going to be unfair on him.

“He's been out for quite a while and had to be patient. He's been desperate to get back, he really has, but it's what he gives off the pitch as well.

“I thought when we started the second half, he controlled it really well and it felt like we were more settled on the ball a little bit with him on the pitch.”

The Gills boss used Dack in a deeper midfield role against Cambridge, rather than in his usual attacking position, as he looks to build up his fitness.

Dack's ability to operate there gives Ainsworth another option, with the midfielder capable of playing in a number of roles.

But the Gills boss still sees his biggest threat coming further forward, where his ability to find space, create chances and arrive in the box has made him such an important player.

Ainsworth said: “I think Bradley can do any job in that midfield, you know, his experience he's got.

“I remember dropping to