Luke O’Neill looks set to be available this weekend after featuring in a midweek practice match.

He came through unscathed after an in-house game at Beechings Cross on Tuesday morning.

O’Neill has missed the last six Gillingham games with an ankle injury.

Lovell said: “It was a proper game, 11 versus 11 and Luke came through it alright.

“Bradley Garmston came through it alright and Mark Byrne came through it alright, so on the injury side it is looking a lot more positive.”

It will be a fourth game in charge for Lovell, who stepped in following Peter Taylor’s unexpected departure earlier this month.

Lovell wants the job and chairman Paul Scally is happy to leave him in charge while he makes up his mind about a permanent replacement for Ady Pennock.

It’s a challenge Lovell is relishing.

“It is great, I am enjoying it,” he said.

“I am enjoying the challenge, as are the players and it will be another big challenge on Saturday but one that we will all embrace, enjoy and whatever happens, it won’t be for the want of trying hard.”

Former defender Ian Cox will be back in the dugout with youth boss Mark Patterson this weekend to help Lovell, after being unavailable last weekend.

Jason Lillis stepped in to assist for the Northampton game.

Lovell said: “Coxy has been a good player here and I respect his views, as I do Mark Patterson’s and Jason’s. Ultimately the buck stops with me, I make the decisions and live and die by the sword.”

Sean Clare has been the surprise pick to fill in for O’Neill. Read Clare’s thoughts in the Medway Messenger, on sale this Thursday.