Andy Hessenthaler will be making full use of his squad as he prepares for the club’s fourth game in two weeks.

The Gillingham manager (pictured) is aiming to make it three wins in a row at the start of their League 2 campaign against a club where he finished his Football League playing career.

Barnet, who survived relegation on the last day of the previous campaign, opened their new season with 1-0 wins against Morecambe in the league and Portsmouth in the Carling Cup, but lost 3-1 at home to Port Vale on Saturday.

"They’ve got a good manager in Lawrie Sanchez and they got off to a good start," Hessenthaler said. "It’s not going to be an easy game."

While there are doubts concerning Chris Whelpdale and Jack Payne, there is better news for Danny Jackman. He was due back in training today (Monday) after recovering from a flu virus.

Dennis Oli is also back in training following an illness and comes into contention.

Luke Rooney serves the last of his three-match ban following his dismissal on the opening day.

Hessenthaler said: "We picked up a few injuries at Crewe and there is a bit of fatigue but we have to recover and I think the squad will come into play in the next few weeks."

Reflecting on his own time at Barnet, Hessenthaler added: "I used to struggle going up the hill (on the sloping pitch) and I always loved it when we were going down! There are nice people there and it’s a good club."