Gillingham manager Gareth Ainsworth has expressed his confidence in Sam Gale's ability to succeed at Barnsley, following the young defender's transfer to the League One club. Gale, 21, has been a regular in the Gills' League Two defence since his recall from a loan spell at Chelmsford in December 2024. Ainsworth praised Gale's physical attributes, stating that he has 'Championship level' qualities. The Gills boss also acknowledged that he had initially thought Gale was 'good' when he first took over as manager, and that the young defender had 'turned the heads of managers' with his performances. Ainsworth expressed his disappointment at losing a quality defender, but acknowledged that Gale deserved the opportunity to step up to a higher league. Gale signed a three-year deal at Oakwell and will now try to force his way into the team at Barnsley. Ainsworth said: 'I absolutely think he is ready. His physical attributes are Championship level. The first week I came in [as Gillingham manager] I thought, 'wow, this guy's good'. He turned the heads of managers and I'm not surprised people have been coming in for him. His physical side of his game, I think he's phenomenal, and I think playing with the players he's going to play with and the systems he's going to play with, I think he'll improve on the ball as well, which was always a work in progress for us.' Gale was nominated for the EFL League Two young player-of-the-year last season after a standout campaign. Since breaking into the team midway through the 2024/25 season, he's been virtually ever-present. Ainsworth's disappointed he's lost a quality defender but wasn't going to stand in his way when a higher-league side came knocking. He said: 'I've been in the same position as Sam, to make your moves. Do I want Sam Gale in my squad? Of course I do. What a player. I've played him in nearly every game he's been fit for for me, but things happen in football. He deserves the opportunity that came. He's stepping up a league, he's going to a big club, he's going to be wanted and playing at a level that he wants to challenge himself at.' The Gills are currently preparing for their next fixture, which is against Colchester at home on 2027-02-27, where they are second in the table.