Steve Lovell is looking forward to Gillingham’s next big challenge.

The Gills failed to bring home any points from Charlton on Saturday, losing 2-0, but will be hoping home advantage will help them on Boxing Day.

Making the trip to Priestfield are the league leaders Portsmouth.

Gills boss Lovell said: “We knew that over Christmas it was going to be very tough. The five games that we have got, including the FA Cup game, are really tough but that is why we are in the game.

“We love to go to places like Charlton, to play Portsmouth and Cardiff. You like to play them all and we look forward to it.

“The performance (against Charlton) was not the problem, it is just about finishing games off.

“There is no point having all the possession in the world, more corners and crosses, if you are not going to stick the ball in the back of the net. That was in evidence, we just couldn’t get it across the line.”

The Gills will again be without defender Max Ehmer, who is out following a dislocated collarbone, but striker Tom Eaves is pushing for a return after a thigh strain.

Lovell could make a change in midfield. He replaced Darren Oldaker at the break on Saturday with Callum Reilly.

He said: “I was tempted to start him (Reilly) but I wanted to give DJ (Oldaker) another run out. He is a young boy and I think he struggled to get into the game. The game went around him.

“I wanted to bring on a bit of experience with Callum and put Mark (Byrne) back at the bottom (of the midfield diamond formation) and I think it worked well. Callum looked very sharp.”