FEARS that injuries would force Gillingham into fielding a shadow squad against Grimsby at Priestfield on Saturday are fast receding as a once gloomy outlook continued to brighten today.

Central defender Chris Hope, whose ever-present club record was under threat after sustaining a knee injury at Reading on Monday, now looks set to make his 140th consecutive appearance against the Mariners.

He said: “The injury has settled down and is not as sore as it was. If it continues to improve, then I’ve got a chance."

With fellow centre-back Barry Ashby still nursing a badly bruised foot, player-manager Andy Hessenthaler will welcome Hope’s optimism as he bids to shore up a defence that has conceded eight goals in the last three games.

Nyron Nosworthy, who sustained a groin injury at Reading, is fit to resume, as is Kevin James who suffered a knee injury.

With midfielder Mark Saunders expected to be fit after missing the last two games with a pulled hamstring, Hessenthaler is better equipped to re-activate the club’s play-off campaign.

He said: “We're looking to reach 50 points, first and foremost. What matters is that we win our games in hand this month.”