GUY IPOUA has been forgiven for last weekend's glaring miss against Leeds in the FA Cup and handed a place in Gillingham's starting line-up at Preston on Saturday.

The Cameroon striker passed up a chance of glory seconds before half time when he struck a post from less than five yards to let Leeds off the hook. Many fans regarded the miss as crucial in determining the outcome of the game but player-manager Andy Hessenthaler will stick with Ipoua despite criticism of the player.

Sky television summariser Andy Gray said throughout the match commentary that he felt Ipoua was more effective than Mamady Sidibe who went on to net Gillingham's late equaliser in the 1-1 draw.

There is, however, no doubt that Ipoua is under pressure for his place with Rod Wallace breathing down his neck and desperate to start against his old club Leeds in Tuesday's FA Cup, fourth round replay at Elland Road.

"There are three players going for two places," said Hessenthaler. But he warned: "At the moment Guy is holding his place and will probably do so at Preston but I'm keen for him to put in a strong 90 minute performance on Saturday."