Gillingham lack leadership - manager Andy Hessenthaler

Gillingham manager Andy Hessenthaler has called for more of his squad to show leadership on the field.

Captain Andy Frampton returns this weekend after a month-long layoff and Hessenthaler feels more of his squad should strive for Frampton's qualities.

"He's experienced, he's organised and he's very vocal," Hessenthaler told BBC Radio Kent.

"He brings the best out in people and we need to find more of that within the team. I don't think we talk enough."

Frampton's absence has coincided with an injury epidemic at Priestfield, with thirteen first team players injured or ill at one stage.

Gillingham's young side arrested a run of six straight defeats by winning four on the bounce before last week's defeat at home to Crewe Alexandra.

The captain's armband has been shared between Garry Richards, Danny Jackman and Danny Kedwell but Hessenthaler still felt that there was a lack of authority on the pitch.

"We haven't got enough leaders out there that can organise situations when the ball is changing hands," he said.

"That's sometimes when we've had our problems and that's when we need organisers on the pitch. Andy does that, but we need a few more of those.

"When they cross that white line, you need that type of person out there, you want leaders out there and he certainly gives you that."