MARK PATTERSON'S anxious wait to solve the injury mystery which has kept him out since last month ends today when the Gillingham wing-back receives the result of Monday's scan from a specialist in Cambridge. Patterson has not played since the home game against Burnley on October 30 when he was forced off with what was first diagnosed as a shoulder injury.

Fears grew that the problem was more serious and there was talk of him seeing the same specialist that treated former boxer Michael Watson. Keen to get to the bottom of the problem, club physiotherapist Ken Steggles took him to Cambridge for a Muscular Resonant Imaging Scan.

"I'm desperate to get the all-clear," said Patterson who battled back from two broken legs and other serious injuries to resume playing. If I'm told there's no problem it will come as a tremendous relief because the wait has not been easy. If I'm told I can get back playing I'll be looking to persuade the manager to put me in against Watford on Sunday."

Patterson, Gillingham's Professional Footballers' Association representative, has confirmed the club's players are "rock solid" in support of PFA strike action over the union's claim for five per cent of the £1.6 billion paid to the clubs in television rights. Should the Gillingham players take direct action it will come on Friday, November 30 for the televised home match against Birmingham.