Andy Barcham could be back in a Gillingham shirt on Tuesday.

Last season’s player-of-the-year is expected to take part in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Colchester as he nears the end of a three-month injury lay-off.

Barcham (pictured) last kicked a ball competitively in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy defeat against Southend at the end of August.

The frozen ground and snow slowed the 23-year-old’s progress but he’s itching to get back involved.

"It’s time to introduce me back to the boys," he said.

"It’s been a horrible time for me. I did pre-season and all of the hard work and I was looking forward to the season.

"There was a new manager in and everyone was out to stamp their place in the team but now I have to start all over again.

"It’s been a pretty boring process. I’ve just had to rest up and do the hard work. It’s not nice but it has to be done."

With the rehabilitation nearing its completion Barcham could be lining up for the Gills on Tuesday.

He said: "I can’t wait to get back in and around the squad, even it’s only on the bench. It will be such a relief for me."

How will the return of Andy Barcham alter Gillingham's attacking options? Have your say below.

• Read Luke Cawdell's latest Gills blog here