GILLINGHAM player-manager Andy Hessenthaler must shake-up his squad by making three enforced changes for Saturday's match at Nottingham Forest after Aston Villa recalled on-loan J-Lloyd Samuel. Villa boss John Gregory's apology was scant consolation for Gillingham and Hessenthaler whose squad has now been seriously depleted by the absence of the classy Samuel plus the suspended Iffy Onuora and Marcus Browning.

Gregory, who last week agreed to extend the England Under 20 international defender's loan until January 1, recalled him after being hit by an injury crisis which has deprived him of first choice defenders Alpay, and Olof Melberg through damaged ankle ligaments plus Hassan Kachloul and Mustapha Hadji.

"I'm down to 16 players and I'm sorry but I've had to recall J-Lloyd Samuel," said Gregory. "But we're really up against it."

Hessenthaler, who is looking for the club to extend a five-match unbeaten record at the City Ground, added: "It's a great shame he's had to go back but we really appreciate the favour. We might be able to get him back later in the season. We'll have to see."

With Onuora suspended for four matches, Marlon King one booking away from suspension and Nyron Nosworthy on three cautions, Gillingham's squad faces a searching examination of its strength in depth.

The loss of three players, coupled with the threat of losing another two through suspensions, has underlined the need to keep transfer-listed Guy Butters who asked for a move two weeks ago.