GILLINGHAM goalkeeper Jason Brown faces Sheffield Wednesday at Priestfield on Saturday boosted by a ringing endorsement from his former club Charlton.

The 20-year-old, who contemplated cleaning bus shelters for a living following his heartbreaking release by the Addicks two years ago, now finds himself established as Gillingham's first choice, a Wales Under-21 international and among the favourites to lift the club’s Player of the Year award in May.

Keith Peacock, Charlton's assistant manager and former Gills boss, paid tribute to Brown's strength of character and said: “Everyone here is delighted that Jason has become such a big success story at Priestfield. He is the perfect example for any young player who suffers a big disappointment early in his career. It’s not the end of the world, as Jason has proved.”

Peacock added: “It was a difficult decision letting him go because, apart from anything else, he's such a decent lad. But it is a huge step moving up to become a Premier League goalkeeper.

"I know Jason had to wait for his chance at Gillingham but I'm sure that during that time he was working hard in training looking to impress Andy Hessenthaler and telling him that he would be ready when his chance came.

“I've known Jason for three years and in that time I can say that I have not come across a player who works harder at his game. He thrives on hard work."

Brown will be especially keen to keep a first clean sheet since October 26 on Saturday in what is being described as a must-win game for Gillingham.

Mark Saunders is expected to replace the suspended Nyron Nosworthy at right-back with Paul Shaw returning to the midfield after illness kept him out of Saturday’s 1-0 home defeat by Reading. Kevin James could also figure in the starting line-up.