Crystal Palace loan defender Ryan Inniss is expected back in the Gillingham squad for their trip to MK Dons on Tuesday night.

But Gills boss Peter Taylor has hinted that he 18-year-old may only make the bench for the game at Stadium mk.

Taylor, speaking on Monday to the Gills website, said: “He is getting close and there is a good chance he will be in the squad for MK Dons.

“We have done lots of small-sided games to test his hamstring and he has done alright.

“I am not looking to start him but I am looking to involve him.”

The Gills conceded three against Crewe at the weekend in a home defeat and the club have one of the worst defensive records in League 1.

Taylor could bring youngster Callum Davies into the back-line but it is more likely he will stick with the same defence for their midweek challenge.

Loan defender Inniss has played just 40 minutes for the Gills. He limped off injured in the 1-0 home defeat to Sheffield United a month ago.

Inniss had been handed a starting role that night, at the expense of Leon Legge.

Gillingham will have Amine Linganzi available. He went off with a facial injury on Saturday but has no lasting damage.

Danny Kedwell (knee) and Chris Whelpdale (ankle) remain sidelined.