Robbie McKenzie has called on the Gillingham faithful to back Steve Evans side when Portsmouth come to Priestfield this weekend.

The midfielder cum defender told this week’s press briefing, “The fans have been great all season and they will be massive on Saturday,” he said, “They are like a twelfth man. I didn’t experience it last season because of COVID but this year they have been brilliant, and we need that again on Saturday.”

He went on, “What you get from this team is that everyone is going to give it everything they have got – we know that a win on Saturday would raise our confidence massively. You can’t let the results get you down, but you have also got to find the confidence to push on and try and get some points on the board.”

McKenzie who himself got off the treatment table to return against Cheltenham in midweek, admitted it had been tough for everyone, “Nobody wants to be out injured; we want to be out there playing,” he said before adding, “It’s tough for the ones who are out, but it’s tough for those out on the pitch as well.”

“I had a tough injury when I got into the team, and I had a little niggle with it. I’m back in the team again and it’s good to be back out there. There are a few who are battered and bruised but we need to give it everything on Saturday.”

“It’s weird being one of the more senior players,” the 23-year-old added. “But the young lads have done well, and they just need to keep doing that. The youngsters want to impress, and they want to be out on that pitch on a Saturday or a Tuesday night. If they impress and do well, then that’s we need. They are having to learn quickly but we are doing well as a team to show them support.”

Looking ahead to Pompey’s visit, McKenzie is looking forward to seeing an old friend – albeit in unfamiliar colours come Saturday – and he spoke with feelings of several of the Gills faithful. “It will be nice to see Connor Ogilvie, we were good mates when he was here! We’re good friends so it will be nice to get the bragging rights.”

“Portsmouth have found a bit of form, but form can only last for so long. Hopefully we are the ones to end that little run.”

Image courtesy of Gillingham FC