Gillingham boss Andy Hessenthaler will continue to leave Luke Rooney out of his side while the contract wrangle continues. The midfielder was omitted from the matchday squad at League Two Aldershot on Saturday after he rejected the offer of a new contract.
Hessenthaler told BBC Radio Kent. "We'd love him to sign but we don't think he's going to sign the improved offer. There's nobody bigger than the football club.
"I only want players who are committed to getting us out of this division so, at the moment, he won't be in the squad.
"Although we made Luke a very good offer, they're adamant they're not going to sign it. Whatever happens, if he leaves in the summer there's compensation because he's under the age of 24."
