GILLINGHAM player-manager Andy Hessenthaler admits he faces one of his biggest selection dilemmas in picking Saturday's side for the FA Cup, fourth round, tie against Bristol Rovers.

The Gills boss must decide whether to retain transfer-listed Mark Patterson, outstanding on his recall at left-back against Preston at the weekend, or restore fit-again David Perpetuini. Until his injury, Perpetuini had been Gillingham's best player last Wednesday at Crystal Palace.

While fit-again striker Iffy Onuora looks certain to replace midfielder Ty Gooden as Gillingham revert to a 4-3-3 after Saturday's 4-5-1, who fills the left-back slot remains a burning question.

Hessenthaler singled out Patterson for praise after Saturday's 2-0 win at Deepdale and said: "Some players, because they're frustrated at not playing regularly, might not try a leg when they get back in the side.

But that's not what these players are about. They all stick together."

Of this Saturday's poser, the Gills boss said: "We will change formation because we had to be defensively minded at Preston. Picking the left-back will not be easy and I would go as far as to say that it will be one of the most difficult decisions I've had to make. But that's part of a manager's job and I would far rather be spoilt for choice than not have enough players."

He added: "This is a big week and a big match for the club. If we beat Bristol Rovers then we'll be into the fifth round of the Cup and if we can go on that sort of run, like we did a few years ago, it will bring in vital finance."