DAVID Perpetuini makes his long-awaited full debut tonight as Gillingham go in search of a first Worthington Cup win against Millwall.

Former Watford midfielder Perpetuini, the club's one and only pre-season signing, gets his chance as replacement for Roland Edge who starts a three-match suspension following his dismissal for serious foul play at West Bromwich Albion on August 27.

Player-manager Andy Hessenthaler is also considering further changes to the side beaten 2-1 in the final seconds at Portsmouth on Saturday. The Gills boss is considering recalling himself to the starting line-up for the first time in nine months and there could also be places for fellow midfielder Mark Saunders and striker Paul Shaw against his former club.

Gillingham have never beaten their arch rivals in the League Cup at Priestfield, losing 2-0 in round two in the 1972-73 season and 3-1 in the second round, second leg in the 1988-89 season.

In-form striker Iffy Onuora, who scored his fourth goal of the season at Portsmouth on Saturday, said: "After such a big disappointment at Portsmouth all the lads are pleased that we've got such a big game against Millwall so soon after to get it out of our systems."

Assistant manager Richard Hill dismissed any suggestion that success in the Worthington Cup was not high on the club's list of priorities.

He said: "It's just as important as a league match, especially as we're playing Millwall."

Millwall will be without defender Mark Bircham, who injured an ankle injury Saturday's win against Crystal Palace but on-loan Phil Stamp is available after Middlesbrough gave permission last night for him to become cup-tied.

As in the first round, all second round ties will be decided on the night with extra-time and a penalty shoot-out, if needed, deciding the outcome.

Third round draw will take place at approximately 12.45 on Independent Television's On The Ball on Saturday, September 15.

The draw is not seeded and will, for the first time this season, include all the sides competing in Europe _ Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool, Leeds, Ipswich, Aston Villa and Chelsea.

Third round ties will be played in the week starting October 8.

Gillingham and Millwall are hoping both sets of supporters will observe tonight's minute's silence for former Priestfield director Brian Moore.