Justin Edinburgh has defended his team selection policy.

The Gills boss insists that only those that deserve a place in the team are getting it, dismissing the notion of giving players a chance regardless of their worthiness.

He said: “A lot has been made of me looking at people. They are only going to get the opportunity if they deserve it.

“I am not chopping and changing and I am not taking my eye off the games, or anything like that. If someone I feel deserves a chance they will get it.

“I pick a team on merit. If people are doing well they will get the shirt and if they don’t there are people here who want to take it. We want strong, competitive competition for places in that team.”

Striker Luke Norris and keeper Glenn Morris are two players who have been called up to start in recent weeks.

“Players have to push, they have to train hard and they have to impress whenever they get the opportunity,” said the manager.

“That is how I work. I work off being honest and making sure people get the opportunity when they deserve it. Everyone will get their opportunity when they deserve it.”

Edinburgh was asked about John Egan’s late withdrawal on Good Friday, for Leon Legge.

“John was tired,” he said. “I am not going to see much of Legge in six or seven minutes. I made a decision.

“John has played a lot of football and he hasn’t played that many senior games before in his career. He looked tired. He looked tired at half-time.

“You never know with Legge, he might pop up and get an equaliser. I am picking a team who I think can win a football match, as well as looking at people’s careers but first and foremost it is about winning football matches, that is why I am picking the players to do that.”