Play-off hunters look to take the final step

While not wanting to tempt fate, manager Paul Warne belives the Millers would be "as near as damn it" to finishing in the top six should they return from the Priestfield Stadium with a win.

They are seven points clear of seventh-placed Portsmouth with only 12 more points left to play for.

Midfielder Joe Newell has recovered from the quad injury that forced him out of Saturday's draw at Wigan. Richie Towell has shaken off a couple of niggles picked up in that game and will be available.

Warne may be tempted to with the same back four which succeeded in shutting out League One's top scorers, including Michael Ihiekwe.

Out of favour recently, the centre-half marked his return to the side with a man of the match display at the DW Stadium, much to the delight of his manager who said he had never lost faith in the player be brought in from Tranmere last summer.

Warne told the Advertiser: "In the first three months of the season you could argue Michael was our best player. He had a dip in form, like they all did, and he's been unlucky to be out of the team but he's been really patient and trained really well. He's also been one I've had to apologise to for not putting him back in the team but Richard Wood, Semi Ajayi, Will Vaulks or whoever have done well and he has just had to be patient. He has never dropped his head, which is some achievement during four months out.

Time for the play-offs? Paul Warne checks his watch at the DW Stadium.

"I have no doubt that when he came in he'd play well but I thought he'd be a bit rustier because no matter how much you train, it is never the same as playing.

"His performance at Wigan was outstanding."

Gillingham are perched in mid-table and free from any relegation concerns. They've drawn their last three.

Added Warne: "They haven't been scoring lots of goals but they haven't been conceding many either.

"Gillingham gave us one of our hardest home matches and if you play them when they're firing they can give you a right game. Their home record is also quite good. They have themselves in a position of safety but that means they can play with a bit of freedom and they'll fancy getting at us.

"We will have to be at our best."

Don't forget to follow the action tonight on our Live Matchday Blog, starting with the build-up. Kick-off is 7.45pm.