Vadaine Oliver says Gills have the ability to overcome Sunderland, but he knows how tough it will be.
Leading marksman Vadaine Oliver says a good result against Sunderland on Saturday could be the “catalyst for the season” as Gillingham look to give their campaign a kick-start.
Big V, speaking to the local media ahead of the clash, said: “It’s been a tough start to the season but we have a good squad here. Once we get that good result, you will see us go on a run. We need to come together and give it everything.
“We could be talking again in a month and the table could look completely different; it is not time to panic. A few good results will change everything for us.
“It’s games like this that you look forward to after the loss at the weekend. We are ready for this one, and hopefully this is the game that gives us that boost.”
The striker, keen to shake off last weekend’s disappointing penalty miss in that 2-0 loss to Wycombe, says he will not hesitate stepping up again should Gillingham be awarded a spot kick against the Black Cats.
“You have those days,” admitted Big V. “But I’ve been fortunate that I haven’t had many of those since I’ve been at Gills. If I had scored, then it would have been one goal every two games, so it’s a positive start. I want to do even better than I did last year for the Club. Hopefully I can get a couple of goals to make up for the one I missed last weekend. If we get another penalty, I’ll be stepping up with confidence.
“We know it will be tough. They are a tough opposition and a good side, but so are we. We have got the right players to cause Sunderland a problem. They have a team that have gelled well this year so we will have to be on our game to keep them quiet.”