Gillingham’s interim manager Keith Millen believes the new head coach will have tools in place to succeed

Gillingham’s interim manager Keith Millen believes whoever takes over on a permanent basis will inherit a squad capable of challenging for promotion.

Neil Harris surprisingly got the sack last week despite being four points off top spot in League 2. A win for the Gills over MK Dons last Saturday, with Millen at the helm, took them up to third in the table.

More: Gills chairman on Harris’ sacking

Millen has already stated he doesn’t want the job full-time, having been asked by director of football Kenny Jacket to fill in while the club look for Harris’ successor, but there won’t be a shortage of people who see the Gills as a golden ticket for success.

“There is a squad there that if we can get them fit, should be challenging,” said Millen, with a nod to the sizeable list of injuries to key men.

“At the moment I think there are more injured than fit!

“There are a lot of young players playing regularly, and we have good, experienced pros there that set the standards.

“If you are going to be successful in the season you are not going to get promoted with 12-14 players, no chance. We have to try and get as many people fit and have that competition.

“I didn’t start Macca (Bonne, on Saturday), maybe for tactical reasons, but he went on and he was excellent. He really worked hard and was a real threat. That is what you want all over the pitch but at the moment we haven’t got that (because of injuries), but that gives an opportunity for the younger boys.”

The Gills head to Walsall this Saturday as the club’s hierarchy concentrates on replacing Harris.

Millen came into the Gills as head of academy coaching but is happy to continue working with the first team for as long as it takes, saying: “In my head, like I said from the