Gills defender Matt Fish will be out long-term following cruciate knee ligament damage.

Fish went down injured early on in Gillingham’s League 1 opening fixture against Colchester United.

And scans have revealed that the 24-year-old right-back has ruptured his anterior cruciate knee ligament.

Gills boss Martin Allen said: “He is going to be out for quite a long time and that is a blow to everyone. It is quite upsetting.

“He is a good lad and I am very proud of him. We will do all we can to get him through it. We try to put it into perspective. It is a blow and a difficult one but there are other things like illnesses that can be more devastating.

“We will look after him and keep it all on a level but of course it is a serious injury.”

Fish played a key role in Gillingham’s championship winning side last season, making 44 appearances throughout the league campaign.

He will now see a specialist to get a more definitive assessment on the injury.

“There are no other complications so it doesn’t need another operation,” said Allen.

“I would be guessing but it could be six to 12 months, I am not sure how long it will take for him to recover but he will recover.

“Hopefully he will be back playing for us before the end of this season because all of that back five they deserve to be playing in Division 1. I am hopeful and confident.”