Defender John Egan is back in training and pushing for a return to the Gillingham team.

The 23-year-old centre-back hasn’t played since mid-February after picking up a knee injury in training. He could be involved on Saturday when the Gills take on Coventry at Priestfield.

Boss Justin Edinburgh said: “He has been involved in a couple of days’ training, so he isn’t far away now.”

On Monday at Bury, the Gills manager was able to name Cody McDonald in his squad for the first time since Boxing Day, when he broke his foot.

Edinburgh said: “Cody is a little way behind the others (fitness wise) but is certainly coming in at a great time.

“It was a massive boost to have him back, more so for Cody. He has worked tremendously hard to come back as quickly as he has.

“When he first had his operation, a few people were saying that was his season over but credit to him.

“We are gradually getting our squad fit now. Cody was back on the bench and Ryan Jackson came back into the team.

“The signings of Adam El-Abd and Andrew Crofts have been massive for us and form is getting better at a vital time.”

Top scorer Bradley Dack is also nearing a return. He has been missing for a month with a hamstring injury. Dack tweeted on Monday that he was “almost there” and would be back “in a couple of weeks.”