Gillingham play Cambridge United in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday night at Priestfield Stadium

Gillingham’s EFL Trophy campaign starts tonight – but the manager won’t be taking any risks ahead of a big weekend clash.

The Gills face Cambridge United at Priestfield as the club look to give some of their young players a chance to impress, while also keeping one eye on Saturday’s important League 2 trip to York City.

York have made an impressive start to the season and Ainsworth wants his strongest squad available for the weekend, meaning tonight is all about finding the right balance.

The EFL Trophy, along with the Premier League Under-21 Cup, gives players on the fringes of the squad a chance to get valuable minutes and show the Gills boss what they can do.

Several changes are expected from the side that beat Bristol Rovers 3-0 on Saturday.

He said: “Some people need to start. They need minutes. We do it all on a structured basis and a plan.

“We want the best squad going up to York to take on a very impressive York team so far.

“We have to abide by the rules. That'll come into it as well. But there'll be one or two legs [from Saturday].”

Eli King and Omar Beckles both suffered with cramp during Saturday’s win and are unlikely to be risked against Cambridge. Lamin Sillah came off shortly after a heavy challenge with the Rovers keeper.

Gillingham also have to be mindful of the EFL Trophy regulations, which prevent clubs from naming an overly weakened team.

Goalkeeper Taite Holtam and defenders Jack Daley and Harry Webster were all unused subs for the Gills at the weekend in League Two. Sheldon Kendall came off the bench and scored twice while midfielder Michael Luxton also made a positive impact.

Cameron Antwi, Cruz Beszant, Louie Dayal and Sullivan Booth are all on the fringes and hoping for any chance they get. Sam