ANDY Hessenthaler acclaimed Gillingham's own superman as Adrian Pennock played the starring role in the club's stirring 2-2 draw at Crystal Palace.

The 31-year-old, who has undergone 10 operations on his left knee which is held together by four bolts, epitomised the club's resilience with an outstanding performance out of position playing just in front of the back four.

Last October Pennock was carried off in agony at Birmingham after sustaining ruptured cruciate knee ligaments. Many believed he would never play again.

But Pennock, who never says never, returned to the side for last week's 1-1 draw with Sheffield United before rolling up his sleeves to slug it out with the Palace attack.

Though the Gills boss publicly praised his injury-depleted side in their battle and scrap for a hard-earned point, he singled out Pennock for special praise. “What more can you say about Adrian Pennock,” he said. “He just loves proving people wrong."

“It wasn't just his performance but what he gives to the rest of the team because he's always talking and was very good for our younger players out there.

“At times, when we were under pressure, he was a calming influence. I could not have asked any more of him, or the rest of the side.”