Conor Masterson’s presence on Gillingham’s substitute bench is a sign of how good newcomer Shad Ogie has played in the opening weeks of the season.

Masterson’s return on a permanent deal in the summer was hailed as a great coup for the Gills - manager Neil Harris reckoned he was arguably the best central defender in League 2 last term - but he’s been kept out of the team by another Irishman who signed on at Priestfield with a lot less fanfare.

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It’s still early days, but Ogie’s arrival from Leyton Orient for an undisclosed fee is looking like a great bit of business from the Gills. The 21-year-old has been a rock at the back, combining that strength with composure on the ball and a good range of passing.

Even former Gillingham captain Gabriel Zakuani, nicknamed ‘The Wall’, has recently commented on their similar traits.

Masterson’s time will come again but for now, Ogie’s in the limelight, and Gills manager Harris is delighted to have such competition between his central defenders.

Harris was asked about his young recruit and said: “Shadrach is very young, at the moment he is playing with a lot of energy and a lot of quality as well, defensively and attacking-wise.

“He gets some things slightly wrong, but that is what we understand and accept. The biggest compliment I can give my team at the moment and for my centre-halves is that they are keeping Conor Masterson out of the side.

“He was arguably the best centre-half in the division in the second half of the season and he is being kept out of the team by Max (Ehmer) and Shad, with four clean sheets, four strong performances.”

Masterson was twice on loan with the Gills, joining from QPR to play in the second half of both the 2021/22 and 22/23 seasons. He was an ever-present on both occasions.

He returned on a permanent deal in the summer, expecting to be a starter again, but a pre-season injury meant Ogie was partnered with Ehmer at Stockport for the first game of the new campaign and the pair have barely put a foot wrong.

Four successive 1-0 wins at the start of a season has never been achieved in the Football League before.

“Conor is fit and ready and raring to go,” said the manager, who then added: “But while the lads are playing well it is difficult for lads to get in and it’s an area of the pitch, the goalkeeper and centre-halves, where you are loath to change too much.

“The lads have done great. What Shad will know and recognise and be reminded of, the same with Max, is that if they step off their standards for one moment Conor Masterson is breathing down their neck.”

Ogie’s performance at Crawley on Saturday, where the Gills were put under pressure more than they have done so far, came despite picking up a third-minute booking for a foul. He managed that well to help keep the home side out.

It was also his cross that led to the game's only goal, turned into his own net by Crawley defender Harry Ransom.

Harris said: “It was a rash tackle, but when you play with pace, power and aggression, which is how I like my centre halves to play, then you are going to get things slightly wrong.”