Nineteen years separated Gillingham’s oldest and youngest players in the squad at Barnet on Saturday, as boss Justin Edinburgh insists age is no barrier to being included.

Edinburgh handed a first start to 35-year-old newcomer Paul Konchesky while also giving 16-year-old youth player Henry Arnold a place on the bench.

Edinburgh said: “I will always say age is not a problem, it’s about ability and that has shown with Konch. Ability speaks for itself.

“Age isn’t a barrier and Henry earned his place on the bench.”

Left-back Arnold acted as cover for Konchesky and got his chance in the first team after impressing in a behind-closed-doors match against Dover’s first team last Thursday.

Edinburgh said: “He came on in the game and did ever so well. He looked excellent against Dover’s first team.

“We knew Paul would only play an hour and we brought him along as cover and what a great experience for him.

“We won’t get carried away, he has had a good 45 minutes (against Dover) and I felt he would be comfortable if we needed to call on him.”