By Luke Cawdell

Gillingham visit Southend on Tuesday for their first round Johnstone’s Paint Trophy match and boss Andy Hessenthaler is set to make changes.

He will use the match to give some of his fringe players time on the pitch but the lure of a Wembley final means the Gills won’t be taking the game lightly.

"I’ve never been to this Wembley and it would be lovely to lead a team out there," said Hessenthaler, who helped the Gills to play-off victory in 2000 at the old Wembley."

The likes of John Nutter, former Southend skipper Kevin Maher, Mark McCammon (pictured), Luke Rooney, Josh Gowling and Stefan Payne will all be vying for time on the pitch.

"I may make two or three changes," said Hessenthaler. "We’ve got McCammon coming back from injury and he may well get a start or Stefan Payne could. We will use it as an opportunity to change it around."

Hessenthaler is set to keep Cody McDonald and Barry Fuller in the team as they continue to improve match fitness after missing the start of the season through injury.

"Cody will get another game and so will Barry but we may give the big man (Akinfenwa) a rest," added Hessenthaler.

Tuesday’s game will be decided on the night with penalties taking place should the game end level.

Should Andy Hessenthaler use the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy to give fringe players an opportunity? Have your say below.