GILLINGHAM could be facing the same West Ham team that handed out a 3-0 hiding at Crewe in mid-week when the Londoners visit Priestfield on Saturday.

But the Eastenders' left back Wayne Quinn - a loan signing from Newcastle - is an injury doubt after picking up a knock in the Crewe encounter.

England under-21 star Michael Carrick is also doubtful after missing the Hammers’ last two matches with a hernia problem.

Jermain Defoe and David Connolly will almost certainly begin the match up front, while former England midfielder Rob Lee is also expected to start.

Meanwhile, Gillingham boss Andy Hessenthaler has admitted he wants to freshen up his squad. The player-manager has been stung into action after his team were beaten 2-1 by Norwich on Tuesday night - a second successive loss that saw Gillingham drop to 16th in the table.

He held a meeting with chairman Paul Scally where the pair decided it was time to bring in some loan signings. Hessenthaler said: “It’s frustrating and I need to bring in some new faces to add that little bit of quality and brighten ourselves up.

“I have had a chat with the chairman and he’s agreed perhaps its time to bring in some new players.”

The move into the loan market has become a necessity with Nicky Southall missing for up to a month with an ankle ligament damage, Rod Wallace picking up a another hamstring injury against Norwich and keeper Vince Bartram suffering a broken wrist against Millwall.

Hessenthaler could also be looking to tighten up his defence after his normally water-tight side leaked 12 goals in the last four games - including a 5-0 drubbing at Cardiff.