Defensive cover is the number one priority for Gills boss Justin Edinburgh.

He’s also after a striker but that looks less likely.

Gillingham have until 11pm on Wednesday to complete signings of contracted players.

And unlike in previous years, they are now unable to bring in reinforcements on loan until January, following the scrapping of the emergency system.

Edinburgh hopes to have at least a centre back in place.

He said: “We are trying to bring a defender in because we feel we need another centre-half.

“We do have a lot of players coming back. Jamie O’Hara and Dacky, Scott Wagstaff and Jackson are back in training (following injuries) and things are starting to progress.

“There may be a defender coming into the club before the deadline closes.”

The Gills boss was also hoping to add a striker to the squad, especially after loan man Joe Quigley suffered a cruciate injury, early on in the season.

But finding a quality addition hasn’t been easy, says the Gills boss.

“We are looking but at this time of the year it is very difficult to find not just a proven goalscorer but someone who will improve us.

“There is no point in bringing someone in for the sake of it to make the numbers up.

We have tried. Do I think we are going to get it? I don’t think so.”

The Gills are likely to loan out keeper Tom Hadler but that doesn’t need to happen immediately, as he will be sent to a club lower down the pyramid who will give him competitive minutes on the pitch.

Young striker Greg Cundle, who was an unused substitute on Tuesday night, may also be heading out for a loan spell.

Edinburgh said: “We want to continue their development and make sure they are getting enough minutes because that is where they learn when they are playing.”