NYRON NOSWORTHY today gave injury-hit Gillingham an early boost by declaring himself fit ahead of Sunday’s match at Crystal Palace.

The full-back has not played since sustaining a severe groin strain in the 2-0 defeat at Leicester on August 31.

The news will come as welcome relief to player-manager Andy Hessenthaler as he attempts to piece together a side from those still standing among the club’s many wounded players.

Selection problems have been compounded by suspensions to Hessenthaler, Mark Saunders and Kevin James. Simon Osborn, Mamady Sidibe and Mark Patterson are definite non-starters.

“Nyron looks as though he will be fit which is good news,” said the Gills boss. “But somehow we’ve got to put 11 players on the park on Sunday.”

Hessenthaler decided against risking Nosworthy against Sheffield United last week in the hope he would be 100 per cent for the Palace game. Now he must decide whether to play him at right-back or help fill a sparse midfield. Should he switch to midfield, Adrian Pennock could play a second successive match in the right-back role or as a third centre-back.