Connor Smith is closing in on his first Gillingham start as they prepare to host Port Vale on Saturday.

The on-loan Watford midfielder has been named on the bench in the last three games, making just a brief appearance at Colchester.

Gills boss Peter Taylor insists, however, that he is not as the club to fill the bench.

Taylor said: “Connor is a good player and certainly not here to make the numbers up.

“He will play and he will push Jake Hessenthaler, Amine Linganzi and Steven Gregory. I also have the option of playing him in a three-man midfield.

“He could start. He is a good player. I have been patient because I didn’t want to bring him in when it was the wrong game. I want him to come and show what he can do.”

Two players who look set to miss out again are Chris Whelpdale (ankle) and Charlie Lee (knee).