Gillingham vs Colchester United - Doug Loft likely to be on the bench for Gills against Colchester

Gillingham captain Doug Loft might have to make do with a place on the bench again for the clash with Colchester.

Loft returned from suspension against Swindon on Boxing Day but remained an unused substitute as Justin Edinburgh's side recorded a 3-1 victory on their travels.

Striker Cody McDonald faces a few weeks out after damaging his foot at Millwall earlier this month.

Fellow forward Luke Norris will be hoping to build on his pair of substitute cameos after missing two months with a side injury.

Colchester could have Owen Garvan and Marvin Sordell back in action.

The pair were absent for the defeat to Southend on Boxing Day, Garvan hampered by an ankle problem and illness and Sordell struggling with a knee injury, but the pair may return to the squad at Priestfield if they come through Sunday's training session unscathed.

Ex-Blackpool goalkeeper Elliot Parrish was named between the sticks for Kevin Keen's first match in charge and will be hoping to keep his spot after former loanee Jamie Jones returned to Preston.

The U's are in the midst of an alarming sequence of results having failed to accrue a solitary point in Sky Bet League One since October.