On-loan Gillingham defender and Indonesia international Elkan Baggott enjoying playing out from the back with Gills

Teenage centre-back Elkan Baggott is enjoying being allowed to play out from the back at Gillingham.

Baggott, on a season-long loan deal from League 1 Ipswich, has so far played every minute of the Gills’ first six competitive games of the campaign.

Gillingham boss Neil Harris has not been afraid of letting his defensive players take risks with the ball and that’s something which has suited 19-year-old Baggott’s style of play.

“I would probably describe myself as a ball-playing centre-half. Obviously being exposed to it quite a lot at Ipswich, we try and build out from the back,” he said.

“So coming here and trying to play out as well suits my game.”

After back-to-back defeats, Gillingham switched to a back five at Priestfield as they drew 0-0 with Walsall, Baggott being partnered by Max Ehmer and Will Wright in the heart of the defence.

“Personally, Ipswich play five at the back so I have been exposed to it,” said Baggott.

“We played it in the cup the other day at AFC Wimbledon [winning 2-0 in the Carabao Cup] so the boys have been used to it.

“Saturday, it worked in our favour and all we want to do [as defenders] was keep a clean sheet and we did.”

Baggott has also enjoyed learning alongside Ehmer, saying: “Obviously Max is a very experienced player.

“He's so good in the dressing room to have around and I learn a lot, playing next to an experienced player. So playing with Max is great.”

Behind them has been experienced goalkeeper Glenn Morris whose displays in defeats against Tranmere and Harrogate could not really be knocked, with the 38-year-old then making a fine save late on as Walsall nearly snatched the victory at Priestfield.

Baggott said: “Just having him behind you is like a safety net. Any shot that is going