GILLINGHAM’S build-up to the big League 1 kick-off is being hampered by a mounting injury crisis.

Neale Cooper’s side completed pre-season with a 3-0 win over Barnet but head into the season’s opener at home to Colchester on Saturday with many key players struggling to remain fit.

Eight players were unavailable for the 3-0 win over the Conference champions at Priestfield and with Danny Jackman coming off injured at half-time it means all of Cooper’s new signings are racing against time to be fit.

The Gills boss however decided to look on the positive side and saw it as a chance to see others in action.

He said: "We’ve got a fair few injuries to deal with but that gave one or two boys the chance.

"I think fitness-wise we need to get another good week under our belts and hopefully be even stronger for next week. I don’t know what the team’s going to be like yet because of injuries."

Jackman’s groin injury sees him join Alan Pouton (knee), Steve Banks (groin), Tony Bullock (foot), Darius Henderson (hamstring), Matt Jarvis (thigh), Danny Spiller (ankle), Tom Williams (ankle) and long term absentee Mark Saunders (leg) on the injury list.

While the physios deal with the walking wounded, Cooper’s main priority is to find cover up-front and in the centre of defence, and he will spend the week assessing the trialists he has at the club and those still searching for late deals.

Gills’ comfortable victory was pleasing for Cooper, who once again saw his side step up the quality in the lead-up to the visit of Colchester.

He said: "I think we’ve got sharper and fitter-looking in every game we’ve played.

"This time last week I was disappointed because I knew what the boys could achieve and I looked for a change (at Millwall) and I got it.

"The last few days in training the boys have looked sharp. We’ve cut back a bit with shorter and sharper stuff.

"We play a high-tempo game and try and close down teams. People were pressurising the players on the ball and we caused them problems."

Cooper had special praise for Ian Cox who, with captain Chris Hope, again looked solid at the back.

"Cox has been tremendous so far," he said. "I’ve never really seen him play before but he’s a very good defender and a hard-working and likeable person."