GILLINGHAM boss Andy Hessenthaler today invited Leeds fans to boo him long and often when he leads his side into battle on what could prove the most momentous night in the club’s history at Leeds.

With the nation’s media focussing on Elland Road, Hessenthaler and his players are ready to take centre stage and turn the Leeds drama into a crisis by tipping the cash-strapped club out of the FA Cup in this fourth round replay.

Hessenthaler accepts he will be fair game for some sections as they seek to deflect attention away from Leeds' traumas. Smouldering resentment exists among Leeds fans who have not forgotten Hessenthaler's involvement in the incident that lead to Mark Viduka's dismissal at Priestfield last month.

“I'll wear a tin hat,” said Hessenthaler. “What the Leeds fans don't realise is that I thrive on being given stick because it's good for my game.

"I'm expecting to get booed from the first to the last whistle tonight but I can honestly say that it won't affect me.”