Goalkeeper Jake Turner came off the bench for Gillingham on Saturday after Glenn Morris’ early injury against Salford City

Gillingham’s reserve keeper Jake Turner has the backing of the management to fill in for the injured Glenn Morris.

Veteran stopper Morris had to be replaced just moments after the weekend match against Salford City kicked off and could now be sidelined for several weeks.

Turner ended last season on loan at non-league Dagenham and was offered another temporary move out at the start of this season but opted instead to stick around.

The 26-year-old has featured for the Gills in the League Cup and the EFL Trophy this season but got his first minutes in the league under the current management when coming off the bench against Salford.

Morris’ game was over after a goal-kick in the second minute left him nursing an injury.

Turner conceded twice early on but also made a good save at 2-0 down to prevent a tough start getting any worse.

Morris’ injury needs to be assessed this week, and scans will reveal how bad it is, but assistant boss Richard Dobson has confidence in their understudy keeper.

“It's his opportunity,” said the Gills no.2. “At the start of the season, there was a possibility for him, if he wanted, to go out on loan.

“He didn't want to; he wanted to stick around and prove himself, and that's great from our point of view.

“We know we've got a competent number two with us. He's been excellent in training, and I've no problems with him throwing him into these games now.

“I don't know how long Glenn will be out, but I'm pretty sure it'll be a couple of weeks at minimum. This is Jake's opportunity.”

Morris turns 42 later this year and is the oldest player in the league but has continued to be Gills’ first-choice keeper. He’s helped them to four clean sheets so far this season.

Dobson said that the medical team were