International duty hits Gillingham and Southend squads for Priestfield clash

Posted Thursday, October 11, 2018 by PA

Gillingham will be missing forward Josh Parker through international duty for the Sky Bet League One match against Southend.

Parker has been called up for Antigua and Barbuda, while Brandon Hanlon is set for around a month on the sidelines with a hamstring problem sustained during the midweek Checkatrade Trophy defeat to Tottenham Under-21s.

Defender Connor Ogilvie has started trained again following his ankle problem.

Midfield duo Regan Charles-Cook and Billy Bingham (both ankle) continue their recovery.

Southend will be missing defenders Jason Demetriou and Harry Kyprianou, who are both away on international duty with Cyprus.

Shrimpers boss Chris Powell made the expected sweeping changes for the midweek Checkatrade Trophy loss at Colchester, but will recall his first-team regulars for the trip to Priestfield, which has a newly-laid hybrid pitch.

Defender John White (hamstring) and forward Tom Hopper (ankle) both picked up injuries during last weekend’s goalless draw against Oxford and will be assessed along with winger Harry Bunn (foot).

Centre-back Harry Lennon is closing in on a return to full fitness from the fractured toe suffered on the opening day of the season, while defender Rob Kiernan (knee) remains sidelined.