Gillingham boss Steve Evans is sure Connor Ogilvie will get a positive reception if he lines up for the opposition this Saturday.

Ogilvie played in pre-season for the Gills before signing for weekend visitors Portsmouth, a move that ended a successful four-year association with the club which saw him play over 150 games.

Evans wanted the defender to stay but was unable to compete with the likes of Pompey for the signature of the former Tottenham youngster. Ogilvie excelled under Evans’ management and was voted fans’ player-of-the-year at the end of the 2019/20 season.

Ogilvie has now become a key member of the Portsmouth defensive unit, helping them get on a winning run and climb the League 1 table.

Commenting on his expected return, Evans said: “Connor was fantastic for me in the two seasons, absolutely fantastic.

“I don’t need to say publicly what I think of Connor Ogilvie, he knows what I think of him. Even when he signed for Pompey I was first on the phone to him to wish him success and I hope he does get it because he is a great kid and deserves every minute of it.

“I think he will get a decent reception. The one thing I know is that the Gillingham supporters love people who do well for them, they love effort and commitment and passion and they are full of it themselves.”

More on the Gills;

• Evans: 'The players shouldn't be anywhere near us'

• Missed chances prove costly for Gills in home loss

• 'The chairman decides' - Evans on Stevenage link

Another former Gillingham player, Mahlon Romeo, could also be in action for Portsmouth at Priestfield. He left the club after finishing his youth scholarship. The full-back is currently on a season-long loan from Millwall.

Gillingham-born defender Sean Raggett, who plays alongside Ogilvie in central defence for Pompey, misses out this weekend through suspension after picking up a fifth booking.

“That’s a huge loss when you go to a powerful physical and direct team like Gillingham,” said visiting manager Danny Cowley, who has a number of defenders missing for the trip.