Rochdale vs Gillingham - Lund and McDermott return to contention for Rochdale's clash with Gillingham

Posted Thursday, March 16, 2017 by PA

Rochdale boss Keith Hill is hoping for a change of luck when Gillingham visit and will be boosted by the return of Matty Lund and Donal McDermott after suspension.

Midfielder Lund has completed a two-game ban, while winger McDermott has served three matches. Full-back Joe Rafferty is a fresh doubt having injured himself making a block in the last-gasp defeat at Scunthorpe in midweek - a result which led Hill to bemoan Dale's bad fortune.

Steve Davies is unlikely to recover from a calf injury in time but fellow forward Calvin Andrew played against the Iron and should continue, despite struggling with a bout of tonsillitis.

Midfielder Joe Thompson, who successfully fought cancer in 2013 to return to football a year later, issued a statement on Thursday revealing the disease had returned.

The Gills will again be missing midfielder Josh Wright as he serves out a two-match suspension.

Head coach Adrian Pennock could look to make changes following the 4-0 midweek home defeat by Bolton, with midfielder Ollie Muldoon set to be assessed after picking up a knock.

Defender Ryan Jackson may be back in contention following a groin problem, but midfielders Scott Wagstaff and Chris Herd (both knee) are still sidelined.

Forward Rory Donnelly (ankle) and defender Bradley Garmston (hamstring) continue their recoveries, while Aaron Morris (knee) remains a long-term absentee.