Andy Frampton (left) and Matt Lawrence are close to make an appearance

Experienced Gillingham defenders Andy Frampton and Matt Lawrence are primed to make their pre-season bow at Dartford on Friday night.

Frampton, a summer signing, was given extra time to gain his fitness before appearing in a Gills shirt, as was Lawrence, who, at 37, also needed to be eased into the pre-season.

"We have only been back a couple of weeks and we didn’t want to rush them into games too quickly," said Gills boss Andy Hessenthaler ahead of the visit to one of his former clubs.

"They wanted to get a lot of training in their legs first and they are looking ready.

"We will get them involved on Friday night."

Gills captain Barry Fuller is also close to making an appearance as he recovers from a knee injury and Charlie Lee, who suffered a bruised foot in the midweek win over Erith & Belvedere, is also expected to be fit.

On Saturday the Gills are back in action when they head to Dorset to play Weymouth. Kick-off 3pm.