More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
Gillingham are hoping to have seen the back of their early season fitness problems.
A handful of players were rested for their EFL Trophy match at Colchester United on Tuesday night and most are expected back for trip to Burton Albion on Saturday.
Strikers John Akinde and Vadaine Oliver have been back training following their knocks, Kyle Dempsey will have hopefully got over a stomach bug and is expected to train today (Friday), while Olly Lee is also expected to return to the fold.
Defender Ryan Jackson remains a doubt. Raynor took the pre-match press conference on Thursday as boss Steve Evans was still under the weather according to his right-hand man. He is also hoping to be back today.
For once, the management could have a selection dilemma. Evans may have as many as 20 senior players fit and available.
“We are looking a lot stronger for the weekend,” said assistant boss Raynor.
“We erred on the side of caution on Tuesday but we might have four added to the group for the weekend.
“Ryan Jackson is a bit of a doubt still but we will give him every chance, the other guys should be available, there shouldn’t be any issues.
“Kyle had a stomach bug, along with the gaffer, we didn’t take any silly risks with that but they will be back in the building for Thursday and we will be a lot stronger for the weekend.”
Alex MacDonald - up against his former club and ex boss this weekend - is another player back from injury, playing 82 minutes against Colchester in his first appearance of the season.
“You can see the energy he brings,” Raynor said. “He is vital for us, to be in and around the group.
“When you walk in the door in the morning he is a real character, there is always a real buzz around him in the dressing room and you can see on the pitch he gives us real energy. It will be good to have him back around the group and playing as well.”
Weekend hosts Burton sit third in the League 1 table, with returning manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink once again getting the best out of the club. In his previous spell at Burton he left them when they were sitting top of the table.
“They are solid and they are difficult to beat,” Raynor said. “He has got them incredibly well organised but we go into it with a bit of confidence after Tuesday’s win.
“We have more bodies available, some fresh faces, they are looking forward to it against a good side.”
Dan Phillips will miss the trip through suspension after his red card in the league match at Shrewsbury.
Newly signed loan striker Charlie Kelman made his debut on Tuesday, with Raynor saying: “It was crucial he got 90 minutes on Tuesday, he has been in and out pre-season at QPR. He was full of running, he is a fit boy, he will be a good asset for us."
More on the Gills;
