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Gillingham head to Crabble on Saturday to play Dover Athletic; Jake Turner, Will Wright and Alex McDonald could all be involved

Gillingham’s weekend trip to Dover is a chance for supporters to see more of their summer recruits for the first time.

Defender Will Wright wasn’t risked at Folkestone last Saturday because of a slight calf injury while goalkeeper Jake Turner was given extra time to settle after moving down from Newcastle last Thursday. Both are expected to feature against Andy Hessenthaler’s non-league side.

Manager Neil Harris watches the Gills at Cheriton Road last Saturday. Picture: Barry Goodwin
Manager Neil Harris watches the Gills at Cheriton Road last Saturday. Picture: Barry Goodwin

Midfielder Alex MacDonald, meanwhile, could make his comeback from injury, nine months since his last appearance for the Gills. The 32-year-old has overcome a career-threatening injury and is close to taking the field again.

“Will Wright [was missing] as a precaution,” said Harris. “[He had] a little tight calf, we have four weeks left of pre-season and he had done every session up until the last couple and it is just a precaution.

“Jake Turner only came in on the Thursday and that involved a long journey down from Newcastle in the process, it was just too soon for him, and same with Alex MacDonald, he has done the majority of the sessions, we just have to be mindful of the fact that he has been out for nine months.

“Hopefully Alex will get some minutes and if that’s too soon for him we have a behind-closed-doors friendly on Wednesday at a Championship club.”

Their involvement, together with any more recruits this week, will mean Harris whittling down the youngsters that have been bolstering his squad.

He is also keen to continue assessing the trialists at the club, which include Dulwich forward Jordan Green, and former Salford and Stevenage frontman Bruno Andrade.

“We need lads in, we need to have a look at them,” said Harris. “We need to be sure about them when they train with us and in a match environment.

“We have an opportunity in pre-season to have a look at lads and it gives people the chance to impress. It gives them a chance to have a look at us and how I want to work, what I want and see how they fit in.”

Harris has continued to hunt for additions and rumours of interest in Dagenham striker Paul McCallum persist, although a fee would be involved, making any deal a tough one to complete.

Dorking Wanderers’ part-time hot-shot Alfie Rutherford has also been linked, but the non-league outfit want big money for their star striker.

Saturday’s game at Crabble kicks-off at 1pm.

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