Shad Ogie and Jonny Williams come back in for Gillingham to feature in 2-2 draw against Fleetwood Town

The ‘professionalism’ of returning players Shad Ogie and Jonny Williams has been praised by the Gillingham manager.

Both Ogie and Williams came in from the cold to play against Fleetwood Town on Saturday.

Ogie replaced injured Omar Beckles in central defence while Williams was introduced in the second half for starter Euan Williams.

Neither Ogie nor Jonny Williams had featured for weeks before being thrown in against Fleetwood.

Ainsworth said: “[That] absolutely shows the professionalism of what those boys have done while they've been out of the squad.

“To counter that, I think we've treated them right, we never just ostracise anyone.

“They've understood and they've come back in the squad and delivered when they've needed to.

“Fair play to them, it gives me more headaches when everyone's fit.

“Even though they've not been in the squad for a while, they have conducted themselves really excellently. People need to know this.

“There's been no fallout. They have conducted themselves super professionally. As did Trav [Akomeah], when he was left out the other week and didn't come to Barrow with us.

“They all work hard. That's why when they come in the team, they don't look out of place. They've looked alright.”

Their inclusion came as a surprise. In his pre-match comments, Ainsworth gave no indication of the injury problems the Gills were facing, saying they were “in a good place.”

Dack, Cameron Antwi and captain Armani Little had picked up injuries at Barrow the week before. Ainsworth said he “definitely expected a couple to be involved” against Fleetwood. None of those three were.

In addition, Beckles also missed the game. The Gills manager revealed post-match that the experienced centre-half had also picked up an injury at