IFFY ONUORA is likely to play for Gillingham against Bradford City on Saturday despite his mother's serious illness. The popular striker has been excused training this week to be with his mother after she was suddenly taken ill at her London home.

Player-manager Andy Hessenthaler has been talking to Onuora to determine whether he wants to play and he has intimated that he does. "The choice will obviously be his," added Hessenthaler.

Onuora had been doubtful after sustaining severe bruising around both eyes following skirmishes with Sol Campbell and Patrick Vieira during Saturday's 5-2 defeat by Arsenal in the FA Cup, fifth round.

The striker, who wears contact lenses, said: "My eyes were pretty bloodshot earlier in the week so the club doctor had a look and he said there would not be a problem."

Though midfielder Ty Gooden reported a slight groin problem during training on Tuesday, he is expected to get the nod ahead of Marcus Browning in an unchanged side as Gillingham seek the three points that will assure their status as a Division 1 club for a third season.