First-team coach Steve Lovell will be in the dugout as Gillingham face a difficult trip to Peterborough United on Saturday.

Following the departure of director of football Peter Taylor, who had been standing in as caretaker boss, Lovell will take charge of the team at London Road assisted by Mark Patterson and has promised a different brand of football.

That would see a more attacking style than that seen under Taylor for the past few weeks after he took over following Ady Pennock’s sacking.

Midfielder Mark Byrne will be available again following suspension, but forward Tom Eaves is serving out a four-match ban.

Gabriel Zakuani returns from international duty with Congo, while defender Bradley Garmston could feature for the first time this season following a calf injury.

Midfielder Scott Wagstaff (calf) should also be involved, but defenders Ben Nugent (foot), Luke O’Neill (hamstring) and Alex Lacey (ankle) are doubts.

Junior Morias is Peterborough’s only definite absentee for the League One clash.

Striker Morias faces five months out with a thigh injury.

Gwion Edwards has recovered from a groin problem and Callum Chettle is fit again following a hamstring injury.

The game is Posh’s first in two weeks as the Charlton fixture was postponed due to international call-ups.

A win and Gillingham could climb out of the relegation zone, but a defeat could see them drop to the bottom of the table.

With a new manager set to join the club in the coming days, this could be Lovell’s only chance to select a Gillingham side.