MARK PATTERSON is ready to challenge David Perpetuini for the vacancy in Gillingham's defence against Crystal Palace on Wednesday night at Priestfield. With on-loan J-Lloyd Samuel on international duty with the England Under-20 squad against Portugal at Southampton, player-manager Andy Hessenthaler is forced into making at least one change against second in the table Palace.

Hessenthaler is leaning towards Perpetuini to fill the role on the left side of the back four but Patterson has staked a claim for a recall after training flat out over the weekend.

Patterson, who is equally at home on the right or left, has been out of the side since being forced to leave the field with a neck injury during the 2-2 draw with Burnley on October 30. "I trained hard on Thursday, Friday and Saturday and could have played against Watford on Sunday," he said. "On Monday I was involved in a full scale practice match with full contact so I'm ready to return.

"I've played on the left side before so there is no problem. I'm available for selection against Palace."