Injured midfielder Stuart O’Keefe is back in full training and could return later this month.

Assistant manager Paul Raynor didn’t rule out the 29-year-old assistant captain being involved next weekend at Accrington.

It’s less than four months since O’Keefe broke a leg and suffered ligament damage, an injury that at the time looked to have ruled him out for the remainder of the campaign.

He’s back quicker than expected and Raynor is delighted to have him back on the training pitch.

“It’s been a big boost to have him training,” said the Gills no.2

“He started non-contact training last week, joining the group for little bits and pieces and has had full training this week. He has come through fine.

“He is going to be too soon this weekend but it is great to have him around and great to have his experience in the group. Having him there has given everyone a real lift.

“He might be (ready for Accrington) but he has been out a long time and he won’t really be up to speed but with the lack of numbers we’ve got you never know, we might need to utilise him.

“He is going to be well short of full match fitness but we will see how he goes this week and early next week.”

The Gills had negative results during a round of coronavirus testing this week and Raynor has welcomed the news that the PFA will now be paying for fortnightly tests from now on.

He said: “I am delighted they have stepped in and agreed to foot the cost of more testing for us. That is absolutely crucial.

“It should have been done months ago. I don't like to slag the PFA off, because they are a good organisation and very good for professional footballers, but they should have stepped in long before this. I am delighted they have done it, that was good news for us.”

Gillingham host bottom side Burton Albion this Saturday, a team with a new manager, and the start of a crucial period. The Gills are six points off the play-off positions heading into the weekend.

“We want to be higher,” said the assistant. “We are a little inconsistent and maybe bringing in a bit of experience to the group might help.

“I am sure results will improve. It is a crucial period, a crucial month, it is going to define our season whether we are sitting mid table or pushing to the higher reaches and let’s hope it is that.”

Saturday's game is now a 2pm kick off, after the club agreed a number of early starts in the coming weeks. Gills' home game against Ipswich on Saturday, March 6 and at Sunderland on Saturday, January 30 are both now 1pm kicks offs. The game at home to Crewe on Tuesday, January 26 has been moved from 7.45pm to 6pm.

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