DEFENDER Adrian Pennock insists he is ready, willing and able to play a second match in three days for Gills in tonight's Worthington Cup, second round tie at Stockport.

Pennock, whose left knee is held together by four bolts following 10 operations, was outstanding in Sunday's 2-2 draw at Crystal Palace. Pennock said: "I'm ready to play what would be a third successive match tonight. I don't care who we are playing so long as I play because I love being back in the first team.

"The match against Sheffield United a week ago was my first in the league since October and I can't begin to describe how great it felt. Now I'm back in the team I aim to stay there.

"When the gaffer asked me if I fancied playing as a sweeper in front of Chris Hope and Barry Ashby on Sunday I jumped at the chance and really enjoyed myself. If I'm selected tonight there will be no problem for me or the knee. I just want to play."

Pennock could again be asked to fill the role he occupied against Crystal Palace playing in front of the back four.

All depends on player-manager Andy Hessenthaler's selection options. The Gills boss, who originally ruled himself out of the tie with a calf strain, trained flat out yesterday and could yet play tonight.

Experienced goalkeeper Vince Bartram, who replaced the injured Jason Brown after 15 minutes against Palace, keeps his place. But skipper Paul Smith is doubtful with a thigh injury .

Tonight's tie is the first meeting between the two clubs in the Worthington Cup and will be decided on the night either by extra-time or a penalty shoot out.