Gillingham youth goalie Taite Holtam named on the bench for League 2 match in place of senior Jake Turner to allow for an extra outfield substitute

Gillingham manager Neil Harris is willing to sacrifice a senior keeper from their matchday squad to give them an extra outfield option on the bench.

Youth goalie Taite Holtam was on the substitutes’ bench for the midweek game against Crewe Alexandra in place of regular reserve stopper Jake Turner.

Clubs in the EFL must name at least one homegrown player in their 18-man squad. If they don’t have a suitable candidate they can only name 17 players - something the Gills have had to do on numerous occasions this season.

Harris was forced to leave promising midfielder Ethan Coleman out at the weekend but Holtam’s inclusion - in place of senior stopper Turner - meant that the Gills boss could name a full squad.

Explaining his decision, Harris said: “I left Ethan Coleman out at the weekend away at Walsall, which was tough, and he was gutted.

“If I lose a goalkeeper in the warm-up I can put another goalkeeper on the bench.

“I needed that versatility in the group, looking at the balance of the squad with the subs, all 11 positions were covered with seven players.

“It is not ideal not to have a senior goalkeeper on the bench and it is a little harsh on Jake but those are the decisions I have to make.

“I went with Robbie McKenzie at left-back instead of David Tutonda or Lewis Page, I just thought Robbie gives us quite a lot on the pitch. There are tough decisions to make and that is what I get paid to do.

“I pick who I want to pick and the lads have to get on with it. I explain why to everyone, lads don’t always like it but I do if for the right reasons, I treat them like my own son, I explain my decisions and it is only my opinion, they will deal with in their own way.”