GILLINGHAM manager Andy Hessenthaler has dismissed the so-called 'Priestfield blues' under which his players laboured last season and haunted them against Derby and Burnley last month.

Priestfield's problem pitch was cited last season as the reason why the team seldom gave their best at home.

Since then, though, it has been re-laid and the Gills boss has no complaints regarding the new surface.

As he prepared for Saturday's match with unbeaten Millwall, Hessenthaler said: "The ground has never looked better. We've got a great pitch and a decent stadium.

"Saturday's match is a big game because we've not been great at home and Millwall games are always tough. But we've got a good record against them in recent seasons."

Although unbeaten on their travels this season, Hessenthaler admitted his players had become nervous at home. He stressed: "We need a win because we've become a bit nervy at Priestfield. All teams that come to Priestfield are going to make it difficult."

He believes the key to getting that first home league win on Saturday is the form of former Millwall player Paul Shaw.

"If you were to ask Paul, he will admit he's not been as influential as he was last season," Hessenthaler added. "But we need to give him the ball in areas where he can hurt the opposition. It's no good us lumping the ball forward."

Hessenthaler may be forced into more changes as Danny Spiller is suffering from a twisted knee sustained in Saturday's 2-2 draw at Watford.

Providing he is satisfied with his own fitness, the Gills boss could return to the starting line-up after completing an hour for the reserves on Tuesday.

Nyron Nosworthy (knee) and Mark Saunders (shin) may also return to contention.

Striker Rod Wallace, who made his return from a calf injury for the reserves on Tuesday, could be on the bench. Tommy Johnson misses the match through the second of a three-match suspension.

Vince Bartram makes a rare appearance in goal as Jason Brown is on duty with the Wales Under-21 side.

* After impressing for the reserves on Tuesday, Gillingham have taken 6ft 6in French goalkeeper Bertrand Bossu on trial with a view to a free transfer.

Bossu, who has been playing for Ryman League, Premier Division Hayes, is also the target for a number of French Division 2 clubs.