GILLINGHAM play the first of two friendlies in northern France tomorrow when they take on Division 1 Lens at their Le Touquet training ground.

The match kicks off at 7pm French time and presents Gillingham with by far their toughest pre-season friendly so far as Lens finished last season in, what was for them, a disappointing mid-table position.

On Friday, Gillingham take on Lille at their training ground in Montreuil. Kick off is 6pm, French time.

Player-manager Andy Hessenthaler: "We had good run outs against Folkestone and St Albans in our previous two friendlies but these matches against French opposition will be far harder."

Nyron Nosworthy accompanied the squad to France but is unlikely to take part in either match after spraining an ankle in training on Friday. The 23-year-old defender fell awkwardly over a cone and the club are hoping he will be available for the friendly at Southend on Tuesday, July 22.

Nosworthy joins a lengthening casualty list that also includes skipper Paul Smith, midfielder Kevin James and strikers Rod Wallace and Marlon King.