Gillingham have bolstered their defence with the signing of veteran central defender Matt Lawrence ahead of their trip to Edgar Street.
The 36 year old was released by Crystal Palace in the summer after playing in most of the second half of their Championship season. He has over 500 appearances for the likes of Palace, Millwall, and Fulham.
His arrival comes as the Gills struggle with injuries, especially in the centre of defence, with boss Andy Hessenthaler telling the press: "Tuesday night's performance confirmed that, given our current injury problems, we need to bring someone in who can organise the defence."
Lawrence is likely to partner former Bulls loanee Josh Gowling in the heart of the defence. Gowling played 13 times for the Bulls during three months on loan at Edgar Street split across the second half of the 08/09 season. Attempts to sign him on a permanent deal faltered, and he joined the Gills on loan at the start of the following season before making the deal permanent.
Also signing on is coach Nicky Southall. The 38 year old full back played last season for Dover with Hessenthaler after being released by the Gills last summer.
On the injury front the Gills have midweek victim Jack Payne definitely out, while Adebayo Akinfenwa and Curtis Weston are likely to face late fitness tests with eight other players including loan forward Cody McDonald all definitely out.
Their threadbare squad will be looking to end a winless run on the road that has stretched back to May 2009. The run goes 26 games from their play-off draw at Rochdale at the back end of the 08/09 season to Tuesday's 4-1 loss at Carrow Road in the Carling Cup.