Gillingham manager Gareth Ainsworth will be looking to replace Sam Gale – The defender made an instant impact on his first Barnsley appearance in pre-season against Lincoln City

Gillingham manager Gareth Ainsworth faces the challenge of replacing departed Sam Gale - and admits that’s a tough job.

Gale wasted little time making an impression on his Barnsley debut - playing in a friendly against Lincoln City on Saturday, just a day after his move to the League One side was confirmed.

More: Ainsworth confident Gale will make the grade

Barnsley described Gale’s debut outing as “solid and dominant” against The Imps and left the Yorkshire side’s fans raving about their new recruit. Ainsworth knows finding someone to replace the homegrown youngster isn’t going to be easy.

“It's up to me now to replace him, which is going to be very tough,” said the Gills boss.

“He’s a great player and that's why he's moving up the leagues. That's the frustration sometimes being in a League Two club.

“We will definitely be looking to replace him.

“Obviously, you don't want to lose your best players, but I've been in the position; it's very hard once players are aware of things in the background, and then it's up to us to make sure that it's all right.

“I wish Sam all the best, absolutely all the best. Barnsley have got a cracking lad there, and we'll replace him, but I hope he goes from strength to strength.

“He had some magic moments here, and they won't be forgotten, but we move on, that's football.”

✍️ Signed on Friday.