Gillingham boss Martin Allen has given his backing to keeper Tommy Forecast to fill Stuart Nelson’s gloves when Gills visit Preston in the FA Cup second round on Saturday.

Forecast played the last 20 minutes for the Gills at Accrington after Nelson saw red for a professional foul.

The former Tottenham youngster, who is on a season-long loan from Southampton as part of the Paulo Gazzaniga deal, had to pick the ball out of the net with his first touch, after James Beattie converted the penalty for which Nelson was dismissed, but was otherwise untested.

Gills other senior keeper, Ross Flitney, has been recalled from his loan at Blue Square Bet South Eastleigh.

"It’s fine," said Allen. "Tommy is a good goalkeeper who has trained very hard and is getting better and better.

"He’s popular with the players in the dressing room – he has been patient and deserves an opportunity to go and do his stuff.

"Tommy is a great pro, a great lad and he will play next Saturday."

Picture: Tommy Forecast makes his entrance at Accrington
Barry Goodwin

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