Doug Loft is back in training but is unlikely to be a starter at Oldham this weekend.

The Gills skipper has been out injured for almost a month but boss Peter Taylor doesn’t think he is ready for the starting XI just yet.

He said: “He has been doing some light jogging and we’re checking on how many miles he has been doing every day he trains. We have now been careful with him and making sure he doesn’t do too much.”

Gills will be without the suspended Gavin Hoyte, who serves the second of a three-game ban.

Goalkeeper Stuart Nelson is still three weeks away from returning as he recovers from hand ligament damage but Leon Legge was due back in training on Thursday following a slight groin strain.

Taylor said: “Even though it was a groin injury, it was slight and we were worried it could go whallop and he would be out for ages, which is why we didn’t take the gamble.

“Thankfully, it has paid off and he will be fit for selection.”