Aaron Morris and Bradley Garmston have both travelled with the Gills squad to Northern Ireland this week.

Head coach Ady Pennock confirmed both were fit and ready to resume their football with Gillingham after a tough last year for the pair.

Midfielder Morris, 27, suffered a knee ligament injury at the start of pre-season a year ago and missed the entire 2016/17 campaign.

Left-back Garmston, 23, was another to suffer early on, dislocating his knee cap during a pre-season game in France. He was beset with hamstring problems on his return, limiting him to just seven appearances.

Pennock admits they will be going easy on the pair, but is thrilled to have them both back fit.

He said: “They’ve both been given the go-ahead and that is good news, it’s like two new signings for us.

“They have been working hard since their injuries, it’s been tough for them and we will have to be careful.”

Gillingham’s team were back for testing at the University of Kent on Friday, ahead of a rigorous pre-season schedule which starts with a week-long trip to Northern Ireland.

Based near the town of Newcastle, the players will be facing three sessions a day. Once they return they will be gearing up for their first match of the summer, with a trip to Faversham on Friday, July 7.

“It’s a clean slate for all of the players,” added Pennock. “The ball is in their court.

“It’s their chance to shine and to make sure I have some big decisions to make on August 5 (when Gills’ league season starts at Doncaster).”