This was a special occasion for Gillingham's Swansea-born manager Steve Lovell, who played for his hometown club in the 1980s.

Lovell's father was also a Swansea season-ticket holder, but the former Wales forward was denied a happy homecoming as Swansea showed just why there are 34 places separating the two clubs in the league ladder.

There was a poignant moment before kick-off as Swansea fans paid tribute to Emiliano Sala, who was signed by their great rivals Cardiff just days before going missing in a plane travelling over the English channel.

Gillingham had upset Cardiff in the previous round but Swansea, and McBurnie in particular, were intent on making a fast start.

McBurnie struck the post with a curled effort from 20 yards after six minutes and then diverted Matt Grimes' free-kick inches wide as the League One visitors caught their breath.

But McBurnie was not to be deterred and, running on to Leroy Fer's cross, he planted a powerful header past the despairing dive of Gills goalkeeper Tomas Holy.

Gillingham managed a low Tom Eaves effort after Fer lost possession near halfway, but Swansea threatened with almost every attack.

McBurnie doubled the advantage after 32 minutes – his 13th goal of the season – when McKay flicked Connor Roberts' pass into his path and he finished unerringly from 15 yards.

The Scotland striker came close to his first Swansea hat-trick straight after the break when he headed Fer's cross on to the roof of the net.

But Gillingham were boosted in the 51st-minute when Elliott List kept possession well near the corner flag and Rees met Mark Byrne's cross to score with a flashing header.

Gillingham were suddenly asking questions with Eaves a useful focal point to their attacks, but McBurnie saw penalty claims turned down and Holy was alert to handle Grimes' low drive.

Celina's stunning drive past a helpless Holy gave Swansea breathing space before McKay put the gloss on victory when he tapped home substitute Dan James' cross at the near post.

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