Gillingham set off for France on Thursday for a four-day training camp with a number of trialists among the party.

Keeper Lance Cronin and outfield players Danny Spiller, Tony Sinclair and Stanley Aborah (pictured) are travelling with the first team squad.

Staying at home are injured players Simon King, Mark McCammon and Dean Rance.

Norwich-bound Simeon Jackson is thought to be in Germany finalising his deal to the Championship club, where they have their own training camp.

The four trialists are looking to impress manager Andy Hessenthaler, who is also keeping tabs on 37-year-old former Southampton defender Chris Perry.

Hessenthaler said: "We are probably looking for another centre half, maybe with a little bit of pedigree. I had a good conversation with Chris.

"He is looking lean and fit and we’ll see where it leads."

Hessenthaler added: "I like Tony Sinclair and he might be the one. He had his problems as a youngster and will admit that himself but he has played non-league football and is hungry and desperate to play full-time. I thought he was tremendous against Bromley and Dartford."

The Gills will train at the Le Touquet resort and face a Calais team on Saturday, July 17.

Squad for France: Alan Julian, Lance Cronin, Barry Fuller, John Nutter, Josh Gowling, Garry Richards, Connor Essam, Tony Sinclair, Mark Bentley, Jack Payne, Andy Barcham, Curtis Weston, Kevin Maher, Luke Rooney, Danny Jackman, Jack Payne, Danny Spiller, Stanley Aborah, Dennis Oli, Andrew White, Stefan Payne.

Picture: Barry Goodwin