Peter Taylor plans to utilise his squad over the festive period.

The Gills face two games in three days as they follow up a Boxing Day trip to Colchester with a visit from League 1 leaders Bristol City on December 28.

Manager Taylor said: “Thankfully we are all in the same boat. Bristol City might be a different standard regarding the size of the club but Colchester are the same.

“As a manager I have to look at two games in three days and it is a real quick turnaround.

“We have to think about certain players who won’t be able to do the two matches on the 26 and 28. That is when you do need a bit of a squad and thankfully we have some players who are getting fit.

“The squad is a good size at the moment.”

Taylor looks set to include Aaron Morris in one of those games as he is now recovered from a hamstring injury.

Forward Danny Galbraith, however, looks unlikely to feature as he picked up a slight hamstring strain in a reserve game.

Gillingham players will have Christmas Day at home with their families this year, rather than being in training.

“I have never had players in Christmas Day,” said the Gills boss.

“My Boxing Day results, touch wood, haven’t been too bad. You have to trust your players and I think it is a time to be with the family.

“We will do bits and pieces with them before and we will prepare them right. I don’t think players these days will be having three or four pints with their Christmas lunch.”

Taylor himself could be in for a busier-than-normal Christmas.

“My Boxing Day evening is normally the best day,” said Taylor.

“It is after the games and you can relax a bit. It is very different for me this year.

“I am already a granddad but any time now I am going to be a granddad again, so there will be another to worry about! We are still not sure if we will be in the hospital or having Christmas dinner!”