Gillingham welcome back experienced winger Garath McCleary from suspension this weekend - and he hasn’t wasted his time off.

McCleary, 38, made his Gills debut as a substitute in the game at Bromley in early September, winning the late penalty, for which he was later charged and found guilty of diving.

An injury-hit pre-season meant McCleary was playing catch-up after joining the Gills at the end of the summer transfer window. He received a two-match suspension for what the Football Association perceived as a “clear act of simulation” following that penalty decision.

It was a punishment that the Gills felt was harsh, saying at the time: “To suggest any wrongdoing on Garath's part seems unfair and inappropriate."

The FA followed that up a week later by charging Crewe’s Owen Lunt of also winning his team a penalty with an act of simulation. He also received a two-game ban, with a precedent now set.

McCleary is free to return to action after serving his suspension and has been working hard to make sure he’s ready to go.

“The two weeks that he had, he's trained really hard,” said Gills boss Gareth Ainsworth.

“You've got 38-year-old Gareth McCleary, he's played against the likes of Lionel Messi and some super players, he's played in the Premier League.

“To be showing that he's keeping himself fit in the two weeks he's suspended by doing extra running after training, been in on days when he doesn't need to be, just buying into everything. It’s an example that you cannot but follow, because if you want to make it to where he's made it, that's how you do it.”

Captain Armani Little continues to work his way back to fitness. He hasn’t featured since picking up a knock in that game against Bromley.

Ainsworth said: “He's out on the pitches now, so it's great as well. Again, massive headaches for me, but great to see him out there with Nelson (Khumbeni) as well, both out on the training pitch [on Thursday].

“We’ve got a few injuries back, which is fantastic.”

Euan Williams is also nearing recovery from a shoulder injury. He hasn’t played this season but has been pencilled in to return soon, possibly featuring in Gills’ Vertu Trophy match at Colchester in early October.

Ainsworth said: “Euan's good. He's just got to get the all clear for contact. He needs to get contact, and once he gets the all clear for that, then Euan will be back in and he's champing at the bit.”

Gillingham play Harrogate Town on Saturday and tickets in the Rainham End and Brian Moore Stand are now sold out. As of Thursday afternoon, seats were still on sale in the Gordon Road Stand and Medway Stand.