Gillingham captain Stuart O’Keefe is pushing for a return ahead of Saturday’s Sky Bet League Two visit of Barrow.

The midfielder has sat out the last three league games with a hamstring injury but is now back in training and nearing fitness.

Olly Lee, who has been out since August due to tendinitis, was among a number of senior players to feature in a practice match against Dover Athletic in midweek and Ben Reeves could soon be back in contention.

David Tutonda is still sidelined as he recovers from an operation.

Having drawn 1-1 with league leaders Stevenage at home last weekend, Gillingham go into the game with a renewed sense of belief and confidence.

A win at the weekend and Gills fans will start to believe their side have what it takes to stay in League Two, lose and the doubts will start to grow.

Looking forward to the weekend, Gills boss Neil Harris is optimistic about having O’Keefe back:

“Stuey is back on the training pitch. We’ll see how he goes. Too soon for Olly but nice to have him back with us.”

“We know we are not a million miles away but there is a long way to go. I feel we are close. We have to make it happen.”

“We want to keep the momentum going. We don’t give a lot away, we are starting to score goals. First goal mentality can be key.”

“Barrow have made a solid start, they have pace in wide areas. We will respect the opponent; we are in a good place and we look forward to it. It was an excellent Gillingham atmosphere last weekend. The fans were great.”

Barrow will check on midfielders Robbie Gotts and Solomon Nwabuokei ahead of the trip to Kent.

Gotts missed last week’s loss to Rochdale with a minor knock.

Nwabuokei has been limited to just three appearances since his summer signing but manager Pete Wild hopes to have him available.

Wild could again reshuffle his side after making six changes against Carlisle in the Papa John’s Trophy in midweek.