GILLINGHAM could be without new signing Darren Byfield as they complete their pre-season games tonight against Charlton (kick off 7.45pm).

The striker took a knock against Canvey Island in the week and the management are just hoping he'll be fit in time for the season opener at Ipswich on August 7.

Despite ligament damage, assistant manager Wayne Jones was confident of Byfield's quick return.

Jones said: “Byfield had a little tweak on his knee on Tuesday. We may rest him as a precaution but hopefully he will train again tomorrow. His chances of playing against Charlton are more than 50/50, but if there’s any doubt, then we won’t risk him. It’s much more important that he's fit for Ipswich.”

Gills’ midweek draw against Dutch opponents Willem II gave Jones plenty of confidence for the forthcoming season and felt the side should have won.

He added: “We looked comfortable and deserved to win. It would have been nice for our confidence and to get into the winning habit. But it was a good performance against a kind of team that we probably wouldn’t come up against in our division. Technically they were excellent as was their passing and they made us work and use our brains in a different way.”

Gills final pre-season challenge sees Premiership Charlton making the short trip to Priestfield.

Jones said: “We are looking forward to the Charlton game, apart from the last few months I’d say they were the team of the season in the Premiership.”

With just a week to go before the start of the season, there may still be time for fringe players to stake their claim for a place among the squad next Saturday.

Jones said: “We'll be playing the majority of the team that the manager feels is the starting 11 for Ipswich. But there are still one or two positions up for grabs and it’s up to the players involved in those positions to keep up the pressure.”

Charlton manager Alan Curbishley is still unsure as to the team he will be fielding, and whether or not new signing Dennis Rommedahl will feature.

The winger, who cost £2m from PSV Eindhoven, made his Charlton debut in Wednesday’s win at Wycombe and could be rested in favour of playing in Saturday’s friendly at Luton.

He said: “I haven’t decided on the side that goes to Gillingham. It will probably be a mix of first and reserve team players. So far as Dennis is concerned, we’ll see how he feels.”