Gillingham goalkeeper Stuart Nelson is set to face a fresh challenge for his no.1 shirt.

Head coach Ady Pennock is in talks with another keeper to give Nelson added competition.

Nelson lost his place to Reading loan keeper Jonathan Bond earlier this season, but an injury to his challenger left the door open for Gills’ experienced keeper, who won his position back with a number of top performances.

Bond’s loan at Gills is now over.

Youngster Tom Hadler has been playing the support role in recent weeks but Pennock has his eye on another stopper.

He said: “We are close to signing another keeper, we are just in talks and this weekend could be too soon.

“Stu has done really well but he does need competition. I think that is healthy. We have young Tom Hadler as well, who is a good size and has worked well with Stu, but I do think we need another. I see Tom for the future.

“The lad we are talking to is good and will push Stu and give him competition.”

Pennock, meanwhile, is keeping hold of goalkeeper coach Ian Pledger, who has stayed on since Justin Edinburgh and his management team departed.

“I am happy with Pledge,” said the head coach.

“He wants to work hard, he has good knowledge and Stu and Tom like him. I like him and he has been out scouting for us as well.”