By Paul Holmes
July 23 2002

Gillingham have handed trials to Arsenal striker Carlin Itonga and Southend defender Leon Johnson. The duo will play in tonights pre-season friendly with Whyteleafe.

Itonga, 19, was part of the Arsenal team that won the FA Youth Cup but is free to leave Highbury, the striker had trials with Grimsby and Bournemouth last season.

Fellow trialist, striker Stuart Douglas from Luton will get another chance to impress after scoring in the game against Maidstone.

Boss Andy Hessenthaler told the clubs website that he is keen to have another look at Douglas. "The game against Whyteleafe will give me the opportunity to look at Stuart again.

"Then I will be able to sit down and talk to him about his prospects."