DEFENDER Adrian Pennock is ready to defy medical opinion and make a comeback for Gillingham in next week’s reserve game at home to Norwich.

Against all odds Pennock, who celebrates his 31st birthday at the end of this month, hopes to resume playing five months after he was carried off at Birmingham with career-threatening ruptured cruciate ligaments in his left knee. He subsequently underwent a 10th operation on the knee which is held together by four bolts.

Some specialists suggested that he might call it a day, but he refused to listen. Team-mate and close friend Guy Butters said at the time: “There are surgeons who cannot believe that he's still playing. But that's Adie, he never knows when he’s beaten.”

Since then, Pennock has amazed Gillingham physiotherapists Ken Steggles and George Johnson with his dedication to remedial work. Steggles remarked: “He's just been so impressive.”

Pennock said: “I'm looking to play some part in next Wednesday's match against Norwich, which would be nice because they were my first club. I don't want to say too much for fear of disappointment but there does appear to be some light at the end of a dark tunnel.”