RELEGATION will not be the only thing worrying Gillingham at Priestfield on Saturday when they face in-form Cardiff City.

Memories of City’s Wales international striker Robert Earnshaw will be causing frightening flashbacks as the last time the clubs met in September, he buried a full-strength Gillingham with a four-goal blitz in the 5-0 rout at Ninian Park.

That defeat hardened suspicions Gillingham’s defence is vulnerable to genuine pace, which Earnshaw has in abundance.

Those suspicions will be aroused again when the Nationwide League, Division 1 top scorer returns from international duty and a match-winning performance for Wales in Wednesday’s 2-1 win in Hungary to face Gills.

Gills desperately need to improve on a record that has seen them take four points from their last 15 in an injury-thwarted season.

International colleague Jason Brown faced the might of 29-goal Earnshaw in September.

On Saturday, it will be 32-year-old Steve Banks whose high level of consistency in his five games has given supporters renewed optimism.

He said: “In the situation we’re in, we need good results and I’ll trade all the personal plaudits for a few wins.

“It’s no good me making five or six good saves and Gillingham losing. I’m happy with the way I’ve settled back at the club and the lads have made that easy. But all that matter to me right now is that we stay in Division 1.”

Banks’s position as Gillingham’s newly-established first choice goalkeeper will be under threat as Wales under-21 international Brown returned to training this week after aggravating a thigh injury in January.

Player-manager Andy Hessenthaler has been lifted with the return to training this week of centre-back Ian Cox.

Both Brown and Cox could be available for Tuesday’s re-arranged home game against play-off contenders' Wigan but Barry Ashby remains out injured.

Hessenthaler knows the pressure will be on against a Cardiff side looking to register a third straight win but nothing less than a win will satisfy Gillingham who are in a precarious 21st position in the league.

On the day, supporters will be just as interested in the results of relegation rivals.

Derby, who are just two points behind Gillingham, are at home to fellow strugglers Walsall, while Nottingham Forest are away to Sheffield United, Burnley entertain leaders Norwich and Rotherham travel to Crewe.

Hessenthaler said: “We have our next two games and four out of our next five at home and those results will be crucial.

“If the players work as hard as they did against West Ham and Sunderland I’m confident we can pick up the points we need.”