IFFY ONUORA today gave Gillingham a welcome boost ahead of Saturday's FA Cup, fourth round, home tie against Bristol Rovers by declaring himself fit.

The striker, whose presence up front has been described as crucial to the team's success by player-manager Andy Hessenthaler, strained knee ligaments at Crystal Palace a week ago and missed Saturday's 2-0 win at Preston.

But after training yesterday with physio Ken Steggles, Onuora said: "The injury has settled down and barring any setbacks I would expect to be available on Saturday. As soon as I felt it go early in the second half against Palace I came off and I think that helped."

Hessenthaler's selection options on Saturday could also be increased by David Perpetuini's return. Arguably Gillingham's best player against Palace, he sustained an ankle injury which forced him off and out of the side at Preston.

Should he report fit, it would leave Hessenthaler with a selection headache as transfer-listed Mark Patterson was outstanding as his deputy at left-back at Preston.