TOP scorer Marlon King, one of Gillingham's successes of the season so far, has warned team-mates that West Bromwich Albion pose a far tougher threat at home tomorrow than Portsmouth did on Boxing Day.

King brought his tally for the season to 12 as he celebrated his return from a one-match ban with the first goal in the 2-0 win over Pompey. But admits he will have his work cut out tomorrow against a mean Albion defence.

Having trounced Manchester City 4-0 at The Hawthorns in September, Albion became the first side to shut out the Division 1 top scorers this season when they held them to a goalless draw at Maine Road on Boxing Day - a statistic not lost on King. "West Bromwich Albion will be far stiffer opponents than Portsmouth. You're only got to look at the league table to see that," he said.

"They have a tight defence, which we discovered when they beat us 1-0 at The Hawthorns in August, and they'll come into the game confident after that result at Maine Road. But we're all confident and with so much healthy competition for places you have to be on your toes every game. There is no reason why we cannot push on up the table because everyone's on fire."

Paul Shaw's fourth goal in three games against Portsmouth means that fellow striker Iffy Onuora must wait for a recall up front after completing a four-match suspension.

With a wealth of riches at his disposal, player-manager Andy Hessenthaler is expected to name an unchanged side while opposite number Gary Megson is beset with selection problems.

He could be without three central defenders. Larus Sigurdsson is suspended while Darren Moore is doubtful with an ankle injury sustained early in the Boxing Day game against Manchester City. And with Paul Gilchrist still doubtful with a facial injury, ex-Gill Tony Butler could return to the starting line-up after losing his place to Moore.

Gillingham open their New Year fixtures on Tuesday, January 1, when they visit Crystal Palace. Kick off at Selhurst Park is 3pm.