Manager Neil Harris hailed Gillingham midfielder Shaun Williams’ phenomenal performance in their 2-0 win over Tranmere.

Williams headed in Gills’ opener on Saturday and then showed real desire to get a cross in for the second goal late in the game - pounced upon by fellow Irishman Conor Masterson.

• More: Manager's delight after comfortable win

Harris brought Williams back into Gills' starting eleven against Tranmere after managing the 36-year-old’s minutes and using him off the bench at Stockport in midweek.

Williams’ performance went hand in hand with the team’s, easing his way in before becoming totally dominant against a Tranmere team who had enjoyed some good results prior to their subdued showing at Priestfield.

It was Williams who played a key role in winning the game.

“Shaun Williams’ performance second half was phenomenal,” said his manager. “Considering his age, the travelling he has done this week, that performance and result vindicates me as a manager making changes over the course of the week.”

Young Ethan Coleman had come in to take Williams’ place at Stockport and excelled but Harris rotated again for Tranmere's visit.

He said: “I have to build trust in my players that they trust my decision making, when to put them in and to take them out. I have to keep trying to make the right decisions.

“It sounds crazy with an international player but Shaun grew into the game, even at that age you can see that goals give you confidence, I thought he was very good. Without the ball he was excellent, controlled, positioning very good, things that people in the stadium might not see but he fills gaps.”

Williams is currently captaining the side while Stuart O’Keefe is out of the side.

Another player back in the XI was Alex MacDonald. It was his corner kick that led to Williams’ opener, a pinpoint cross that was seized upon by the midfielder, left unmarked by the visiting defence.

“He was excellent,” said Harris. “He didn’t play against Bradford (because of illness) and I felt we missed his nous, his set-piece delivery as well, he is very influential here, the crowd respond off him, he makes things happen.

“Huge credit to the players that they try and bring out the best individual abilities that they have got and make us into a team. Macca gives us a lot, especially playing at home.”

Another experienced campaigner got a mention, with Aiden O’Brien playing a role in the second goal, leaving Williams’ cross for Masterson to finish.

“A lot of players would have tried to hit that or controlled it,” said Harris. “He knew exactly what was around him.

“When I am not starting Aiden O’Brien and Dom Jefferies I can bring them on at 65 minutes and bring that freshness and energy and quality they possess, we are so much healthier than we were a few months ago.”