Gillingham’s youth team take on Portsmouth tonight at Fratton Park.

Mark Patterson’s side are playing for a place in the FA Youth Cup fourth round and will be under the watchful eye of first team manager Mark Stimson.

Stimson has followed the youngsters’ progress closely since taking over as Gillingham boss and they will have the chance to impress and possibly force their way into the first team plans.

“The youth boys have got a fantastic game,” said Stimson.

“If they are good enough, they are old enough and there are one or two who might get an opportunity now.”

Gillingham booked their third round trip following a 1-0 win at Cheltenham. In the first round they beat Eastbourne 3-0.

Stimson has already given youth players Tom Murphy and Jack Payne a run-out in the first-team, while defender Connor Essam was on the bench on Saturday. Also hoping to work his way into the squad will be nine-goal forward Luke Rooney.