GILLS boss Andy Hessenthaler is hoping his side can get off to the perfect start to the season this weekend, but has warned fans it may take a little while to find the winning formula.

Gillingham were blighted with injuries last season but with practically a full squad to choose from, Hessenthaler has one or two selection headaches before the big kick off against Ipswich.

Gills were not able to field a consistent side in games and with Iwan Roberts and Darren Byfield on board, Hessenthaler says he has some difficult decisions to make.

He said: “We’ll have a good squad to choose from and it’ll be a tough job for me to pick a team. It’ll be difficult but that’s the nature of the job and you can only pick a squad of 16.

“It’s a case of picking the right team. It might take me three or four games to get it right. We might not get a result at Ipswich on Saturday, hopefully we will.

“Hopefully I’ll be able to pick a winning team and be able to pick the same players for three or four weeks on the run. We’ve got to make sure we’re more consistent this season.”

Gills have a good record at Portman Road, but Hessenthaler knows the Tractor Boys will give his side a tough test.

“I went to see Ipswich in a pre-season friendly against Osasuna on Monday night. It’s hard to read too much into it but we already know they’re going to be a good footballing side.

“They’ve got Jason De Vos in. He’s a good player, very intimidating. Kevin Horlock from West Ham has come into their midfield but they’ve lost a few so it’ll be very interesting.”

Gills are sweating on the fitness of Ian Cox (back) and Barry Ashby (ankle) but Hessenthaler expects them to be fit. Darren Byfield has shaken off an ankle injury he picked up in pre-season and is available.

Darius Henderson is the only player who will not come into the manager’s plans. The burly striker is still short of fitness and his wife is due to give birth.

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