A strong Gillingham side will be named for the club’s Combination League match against Aldershot on Wednesday afternoon.

The reserve game at Priestfield will give manager Andy Hessenthaler the chance to field a number of players who are desperate for match-practice.

Several players are on their way back from injury and Hessetnhaler is keen to involve them in a full-on match situation but has been hampered by the weather. A reserve game against Wycombe and a friendly against Colchester have both been called off recently.

Among those looking to return is Andy Barcham (pictured), who was close to making the bench on Saturday.

"After the two days’ training he felt a bit sore, said Hessenthaler. "It was a risk to take him (to Macclesfield) to have him sitting on the bench. He may well have come on but it might have been too early.

"He has had a couple of days’ rest which he needed and he can focus on Wednesday now. He will play along with quite a few of the boys and we will have a real strong team against Aldershot."

Dennis Oli will play, as will Simon King and Curtis Weston and there is a chance Jack Payne, Garry Richards and possibly Mark Bentley could also feature.

"We are getting a number of our players back and this Christmas period is vital to everybody."