ADRIAN PENNOCK called on Gillingham supporters to lay-off Birmingham striker Marcelo ahead of tonight's match at Priestfield. The Brazilian was involved in the collision which lead to Pennock being carried off with career-threatening damaged cruciate ligaments in his left knee near the end of last month's 2-1 defeat by the Blues at St Andrews.

Though the defender has vowed to play again this season, his career hangs in the balance.

Absolving Marcelo of all blame, Pennock said: "It was an innocent challenge and had everything to do with me getting my studs caught in the turf rather than anything to do with Marcelo. He is entirely blameless and it would be unfair if he took stick from Gillingham supporters."

Pennock, who has resumed light training, stressed: "I've had a lot of get-well letters and cards from Birmingham supporters as well as Gills fans, which I've greatly appreciated. Their manager Mick Mills took the trouble to come over and ask me how I was when he came down to watch the Crystal Palace match."

Pennock will be among the crowd tonight wishing he could play as Gillingham look to round off a month of troughs and peaks with victory in their fifth match in 13 days.