Stuart Nelson: Gillingham keeper close to first-team return
Last updated on .From the section Gillingham
Gillingham manager Peter Taylor says keeper Stuart Nelson is close to being in contention for a first-team return.
The 33-year-old, an ever-present last season, damaged thumb ligaments in the opening game of the new campaign.
"When he first got back into training he had to catch a sponge ball, which was probably slightly embarrassing for Stuart," Taylor told BBC Radio Kent.
"We had to be careful. He joined in a practice match on Thursday and he's now catching the ball as normal."
The 61-year-old added: "He is doing great and has been working exceptionally hard.
"Even when he couldn't catch the ball because of the ligaments he was still training like an outfield player so his fitness levels are very, very good.
"He's probably two weeks away, at the most, to being ready for first-team football."
| Taylor expects competition for Gillingham's number one spot | |
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| "The only thing I can guarantee is that we have got three very good goalkeepers on the books and a lot of other clubs would like that." | |
In Nelson's absence Taylor brought in Stephen Bywater on loan from Millwall until January.
The former West Ham and Derby stopper, 33, has kept four clean sheets in nine appearances for the Kent club and Taylor says Nelson will face competition to get his place in the team back.
"We needed two good keepers in the camp and that's why in the end I went to get Stephen," he said.
"I'm pleased we did and it is a lovely problem.
"There could be clubs around that all of a sudden might want a loan keeper in and we could think about Stuart or Glenn Morris in that situation. You never know what is around the corner.
"The only thing I can guarantee is that we have got three very good goalkeepers on the books and a lot of other clubs would like that."
