by Matthew Panting

Midfielder Jack Payne is set to return to Gillingham’s starting line-up this weekend.

The Gills are likely to be without loan pair Jo Kuffour and Frank Nouble as their parent clubs, Bristol Rovers and West Ham respectively, have refused to allow them to play.

It means that Gills boss Andy Hessenthaler is likely to field a 4-5-1 formation at Bournemouth in the FA Cup first round on Saturday.

Payne (pictured), who played just over 70 minutes in the behind-closed-doors 2-2 draw with West Ham on Tuesday at Priestfield, is set to make his first appearance since the home defeat to Shrewsbury at the start of September following a knee injury.

Hessenthaler said: "We’ve missed Jack in that he is a more defensive-minded type of player. He does it well when he reads the game in front of the two centre-halves.

"He is different to what we’ve got in midfield and we’re excited to have him back. It is good timing for us.

"There is a fair chance he will start but it all depends on what we decide shape-wise."

Charlie Lee is doubtful after missing training at the start of the week with a foot injury, sustained in the challenge that saw Northampton’s Michael Jacobs booked on Saturday. But Lewis Montrose returns from suspension and will replace the former Peterborough man if he fails to make it.

Goalkeeper Ross Flitney is also rated doubtful with a knee injury so rookie keeper Paolo Gazzaniga is on standby for just his second Gills appearance. However, back-up keeper Daren Hawkes will not be on the bench having already appeared in the competition for non-league Ramsgate.

Simon King returns to the squad but Garry Richards misses out through a hamstring injury while Jack Evans could also feature as Hessenthaler can name seven substitutes in the FA Cup.

Any replay will take place at Priestfield on Tuesday, November 22, kick-off 7.45pm.

Do you think Payne's return will improve Gills' chances of an upset? Have your say below.