GILLINGHAM midfielder Simon Osborn has sprung to the defence of Mamady Sidibe following the striker's failure to convert any one of the chances that would have earned the team victory instead of a draw at Sheffield United.

Sidibe was inconsolable after Tuesday's match, shouldering the blame for the team having to share the points.

But Osborn, who scored his first goal of the season on the night, said: “He’s only a young lad who’s still learning the game and I think we should never lose sight of that.

“I believe his last two games have been his best for us. I’m sure the goals will come because he keeps getting into the right positions.

“The boys have rallied round him and he knows he has our support because there aren't too many centre forwards who will give the Sheffield United centre-backs Murphy and Page as many problems as he did.”

Sidibe is unavailable for Gillingham’s home game against Ipswich on Saturday as he is on duty for Mali in an African Nations Cup qualifier against Eritrea.