Daniel Phillips returns from a three-match suspension for Gillingham this weekend and took part in Monday’s practice game with Southend United.

The Essex side sent a young squad to take on a mixed Gills team that included the likes of Phillips, Christian Maghoma, Harvey Lintott and Bailey Akehurst.

Phillips picked up his third red card of the season when the Gills lost 3-0 at home to Bolton at the start of the month but he will be keen to put that behind him and help the Gills complete their survival quest in League 1.

Gillingham manager Neil Harris is glad to have Phillips back available to give him another option in midfield, saying: “Having Dan coming back into the matchday squad will be a real boost for us.

“It was good for him to play, he has been a frustrated young man the last three games, we felt 80 minutes in his legs would be great for him to keep up to speed.”

Lintott, Akehurst and Josh Chambers are other youngsters Harris got to see more of in the week.

Harris added: “Seeing those boys on a big pitch was really important to see where they are at, it was a really good workout, I was really pleased with us and thank Southend for taking the time to come over and play us at Priestfield.

"I know Danny Heath, Southend’s development coach, was also really pleased. Everyone got what they needed out of the game."