Gillingham will include Southend striker Matthew Paterson in their friendly match with Peterborough United on Saturday.

The Gills are seeking extra fire-power for their squad following the injury to Adam Birchall and Paterson could give manager Andy Hessenthaler (pictured) the additional attacking options he needs.

Paterson appears to be surplus to requirements at Southend under manager Paul Sturrock. The 21-year-old Scottish striker hasn’t been given a squad number for the new season and was recently allowed out on trial at Oxford.

Fellow League 2 side Oxford declined to follow up their interest and the Gills have now been allowed to take Paterson on trial for two matches.

The first will be against Peterborough on Saturday and then Hessenthaler will be permitted to play him against Ebbsfleet in their final senior friendly on Monday night.

Paterson made a name for himself in Bournemouth’s youth team, where he was a regular on the scoresheet, and that earned him a move to Southampton’s academy where he turned professional.

A move to Southend followed but he ended last season on loan at Stockport, where he scored three goals in nine league starts.