Head coach Ady Pennock is predicting a cracker as Gillingham take on Reading in the Carabao Cup.

The newly-rebranded League Cup gets under way for Gills on Tuesday night with a first round game at last season’s losing Championship play-off finalists.

It’s the hardest draw the Gills could have got but Pennock can’t wait.

“That’s going to be a cracker,” he said. “It’s a lovely stadium and we’re really looking forward to it.

“We have got a few bumps and bruises. Lee Martin’s got some stitches in his knee, Billy Bingham is struggling after he kicked the bottom of someone’s studs so he’s sore and tender.

“We’ll see what they’re like but I’m looking forward to Tuesday. It’s going to be a good game.

"Reading are a good side and maybe it might give others the opportunity who have not been involved or have been on the bench to give them a go.”

Pennock’s side held out for a goalless draw against Doncaster on Saturday and are sure to be tested once again.

He said: “We don’t want to let ourselves down. We want to give a good performance and see what we can do, why can’t we go there and get a win?

“It is important and I would really like a cup run. It’s a good occasion for us and we’ll see who is going to be fit, not going to be fit and go from there.”

Defender Alex Lacey is unlikely to make the trip. He has been struggling with a knee injury picked up early on during pre-season.

He was 50-50 to make the squad at the weekend but Pennock won’t take any gambles.

“I didn’t want to risk him,” said Pennock. “He will be a big player for us.

“He is a good centre-half and I am looking for him to be involved for the Bradford game (next Saturday).”