Gillingham have bolstered their attacking options with the season-long loan signing of striker Lamin Sillah from Nottingham Forest. The 20-year-old Gambian forward will be available for selection in Saturday's League Two home game against Northampton Town, with the Gills currently sitting 21st in the table with just one point from their opening two matches, having scored zero goals and conceded three.
What does Sillah bring to the Gills?
The young striker arrives at Priestfield Stadium after signing for Nottingham Forest last summer on a three-year deal from Olympiacos. During his time in Greece, Sillah scored nine goals in 17 appearances in the U19 Super League. Speaking to the club's official website, Sillah expressed his excitement about the move, stating, "I feel it's the right time for me to go on loan, and Nottingham Forest have been really supportive."
According to BBC Sport, Sillah's arrival comes at a crucial time for Gillingham, who have struggled in front of goal this season. The Gills have failed to find the net in their opening two league games, drawing 0-0 with Fleetwood Town and losing 3-0 to Walsall. With key players like Kadeem Harris and Liam Gordon sidelined with injuries, Sillah's pace and goal-scoring ability could provide a much-needed boost to the team's attacking options.
How will Ainsworth fill the gaps left by injuries?
Gillingham boss Gareth Ainsworth is looking to sign replacements for injured duo Kadeem Harris and Liam Gordon, as reported by BBC Radio Kent. Winger Harris faces a long spell out after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament, while centre-back Gordon has been sidelined by a knee injury. Ainsworth expressed his sympathy for Harris, stating, "He was the star signing. He was the one - that moment of magic for us up and down that wing."
The Gills manager has a week left in the transfer window to bring in new players to fill the gaps left by the injuries. Ainsworth acknowledged the tough start to the season but praised his squad's resilience, saying, "One of the things I am really proud of at every club I've been at is that the dressing rooms really do come tight together when things go against them - and they have done."
What are the key details for the Northampton Town clash?
Gillingham will host Northampton Town at Priestfield Stadium on Saturday, August 29, with kick-off at 3pm. The Gills will be without several key players due to injuries, including Kadeem Harris, Armani Little, Ethan Coleman, and potentially Sam Tabares and Bradley Dack. However, Ollie Wright is in contention to be involved, having missed the opening three games of the season.
Northampton Town will also be missing Jack Burroughs and Liam Shaw, but Conor McCarthy could be involved with the matchday squad after playing 45 minutes in the EFL Trophy. Nathan Opoku will be available for selection after his work permit came through. Tickets for the game are available to purchase online or in person up until kick-off, with the ticketing desk open from 9am on the day of the fixture. Domestic fans can pay for an audio pass, while overseas fans have access to a video feed with commentary from BBC Radio Kent.
With Gillingham currently five points behind leaders Barnet in the League Two title race, a positive result against Northampton Town could provide a much-needed boost to their campaign. The Gills will be looking to improve their goal difference, having conceded three goals and scored none in their opening two games.
