Adelakun | "There is a lot to build on"

On-loan winger says the dressing room is up for the battle that lies ahead.

Hakeeb Adelakan says Gillingham are prepared for the battle ahead after standing their ground against Leicester City in the FA Cup third round.

The Gills were unlucky to exit the competition after narrowly falling to the Premier League outfit. Kelechi Iheanacho’s strike ultimately proved the difference between the two sides but the Gills didn’t let anyone down in a packed-out MEMS Priestfield Stadium.

Adelakan, reflecting on the game, says there were a lot of positives to take ahead of crucial league fixtures with Hartlepool and Colchester.

“There is a lot to build on,” said the winger. “It was a very good performance. We just lacked that bit of luck and bit of composure. They are a Premier League side and they took their chance. That was the difference but we can be proud of the performance we put in.

“It is not often you get to play as many Premier League teams in one season as we have (Gills previously faced Wolves and Brentford in the Carabao Cup). There has been excitement, it has been a great experience, but it’s also something we know we have to channel into the league to get ourselves out of the place we are.

“The boys are ready for the battle. We showed that we can stick together and put in a good team performance.

“We are ready to battle for each other, fight for each other, and we are looking forward to the games against Hartlepool and Colchester.

“Results haven’t gone how we wanted, but we are pushing, we are working and I am very confident that it will change. All our focus is now on Hartlepool. The boys are ready for it.”