Freezing temperatures in Gillingham have forced the club to cancel their proposed friendly match with Colchester United.

The Priestfield pitch has been deemed unplayable meaning Tuesday’s match will no longer take place.

Boss Andy Hessenthaler had been hoping to field the likes of Simon King (pictured), Garry Richards, Andy Barcham, Curtis Weston and Dennis Oli to give them much-needed match practice.

They are all on the road to recovery following various injuries and need time on the pitch.

The Gills have, meanwhile, confirmed the departure of injured loan player Callum Kennedy who heads back to Swindon Town after completing a month with the club. He picked up a hamstring injury in the win over Barnet.

Hessenthaler said: “He was tremendous for us and maybe he is an option we could re-visit at the end of the season.”