Gillingham’s defence has tightened up in recent weeks.

But boss Peter Taylor fully expects his team’s resolve to be tested when they visit Sheffield United on Saturday.

His Gills team have conceded just three goals in the last seven games but Taylor said: “We are going to get tested, no doubt about it. In our last couple of away trips we have been good defensively.

“We’ve let in one goal in the last couple of away trips and that is the sort of thing we need to be looking at as a group. But it’s not just the back four, it is everyone in the team. We have to stop the stuff coming through.”

United will have around 20,000 fans backing them at Bramall Lane but Taylor’s men silenced them last season, winning 2-1.

A repeat performance would be welcome, as the Gills search for their first away league win of the season.

Taylor said: “It is a nice place to go and play and they are a club you don’t expect to be in League 1. They have a fantastic stadium, good support and are doing well.

“They got beaten on Saturday but are going to be hard opponents."

Gills have experienced up and down performances lately, with two 0-0 draws either side of a win over high-flying Peterborough.

Luke Norris (knee) and Jake Hessenthaler (hamstring) are both expected to shake off minor injuries ahead of the weekend.