Gillingham are set to face former striker Brandon Hanlan in tonight’s League 1 clash against Bristol Rovers.

The 23-year-old has made a good impression at his new club so far this season after his summer switch from the Gills.

Hanlan has netted five goals in his 14 appearances for The Gas and is expected to return from injury to face his former club on Wednesday night.

His recent goal for Rovers against Chelsea’s under-21s in the EFL Trophy was a reminder of what he can do with a bit of confidence behind him.

He missed the club’s last league game with a sore ankle and was an unused substitute in Rovers’ 6-0 weekend drubbing of Darlington in the FA Cup.

Rovers boss Paul Tisdale confirmed that Brandon is fit again, saying: “I’m sure he’ll be back in the mix.”

Hanlan rejected the chance to stay at the Gills in the summer, along with former captain Max Ehmer who had also moved to Bristol Rovers, but it’s been a tough opening to the season for the pair. Rovers recently axed manager Ben Garner after a poor start.

New man Tisdale is looking for his first league win as manager of the Bristol club, with a defeat and a draw behind him, and knows he’ll be up against it tonight.

Gills boss Steve Evans has already spoken about his fondness for Tisdale and the respect is mutual, with the Rovers boss praising his opposite number in the Bristol Post this week, saying: “I admire any manager who gets the best out of his players and gives them a clear understanding of their jobs.

“There’s total clarity in what he does with his players, they work to his beat and you never get an easy game.”

The Gills will be up against some more familiar faces at the Memorial Ground, with former youngster Josh Hare holding onto a regular place in defence.

Now 26, Hare has made 20 league appearances for the club. He progressed through Gillingham’s academy and went onto make two league appearances but was hampered by injury. His goal for Rovers at the weekend was shortlisted by the BBC for goal of the FA Cup second round.

The opponents will also have former Gillingham midfielder Kevin Maher on the bench tonight, he is first team coach at the club.

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