Thomas O’Connor remains sidelined as Gillingham host Shrewsbury

Posted Wednesday, January 29, 2020 by PA

Gillingham will once again be without injured defender Thomas O’Connor for their Sky Bet League One clash with Shrewsbury.

O’Connor has been struggling with a hamstring injury although Gills boss Steve Evans is hoping to have the Southampton loanee back for the weekend.

Matty Willock is in contention to start the game having come off the bench in Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Rochdale having overcome hamstring and knee niggles.

New signing John Akinde went straight into the side at the weekend and will be pushing to retain his place as he builds up match fitness.

Sam Ricketts and his Shrewsbury side travel to Priestfield having secured an FA Cup fourth-round replay against European champions Liverpool.

It remains to be seen if Ricketts will make alterations with Saturday’s game at Rochdale and the replay at Anfield in mind.

The second clash with Liverpool will already be Shrewsbury’s ninth game of the year so far and former Bolton defender Ricketts may be worried about fatigue and sustaining injuries.

Midfielder Oliver Norburn will be assessed having been forced off early on in the FA Cup tie.