TOMMY Johnson's wait to start a match for Gillingham ends on Saturday at Leicester where he will be asked to step into the considerable boots of the injured Mamady Sidibe.

The situation is not without some irony for Johnson, who was signed to partner Rod Wallace in a new-look strike force. Now he finds himself needing to establish himself in a side where he was once a designated first choice.

Player-manager Andy Hessenthaler's reluctance to nominate his first choice strikers earlier this week leaves both Johnson and the injured Wallace needing to prove their worth.

“I think there is every chance Tommy will start against Leicester,” said Hessenthaler. “I've been pleased with his progress and I thought he looked sharp when he came on at Norwich and again on Monday against Preston.

"He's not had the best of luck with injuries since he came but he’s ready now and I know he wants to prove himself to our supporters.”

Johnson partners Guy Ipoua in another new-look spearhead while Wallace, who he was supposed to partner, could be on the bench after undergoing a scan this week on the groin injury that has delayed his Gillingham league debut.

The first competitive match between the two clubs sees Hessenthaler take his side to Leicester insisting they should be unbeaten table-toppers.

The club’s 100 per cent start after three games ended with Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at Norwich followed by Monday’s 1-1 home draw against Preston who equalised in the last minute.

“I believe we were good enough to have beaten both Norwich and Preston and I don’t want the players to forget that," said the Gills boss.

The match is not only the first competitive game between the two clubs but only the third to be played at Leicester's new £30 million Walkers Stadium which is a stone’s throw from the club’s old ground at Filbert Street.

With Hessenthaler doubtful with a groin strain sustained at Norwich, David Perpetuini could be recalled to the starting line-up in midfield.

Seventh placed Leicester, who are managed by former Gillingham favourite Micky Adams, have won both their opening league games at the Walkers Stadium.

Former Gillingham midfielder Junior Lewis could lose his place in Leicester’s side now that Turkey World Cup international Muzzy Izzet has recovered from a hamstring strain.

With striker Brian Deane having recovered from a calf injury, James Scowcroft is expected to drop back into midfield.

Leicester are confident they have overcome problems with their turnstiles which forced the kick-off of their last home game against Reading to be delayed for 15 minutes.