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Brown recalled as Gills seek revenge

RETURN: Jason Brown
RETURN: Jason Brown

JASON BROWN returns in goal for Gillingham at Burnley on Saturday as manager Andy Hessenthaler seeks to purge the memory of the club's dismal retreat from Turf Moor two weeks ago.

After the Gills boss and his players trooped dejectedly away from the ground after a 3-1 FA Cup, fourth round drubbing, Hessenthaler vowed to right the wrongs of the day on his return.

At the time, he promised: "When we come back here in a couple of weeks we'll have a different team for the league match and we'll be better _ much better."

Recalling the Cup defeat, Hessenthaler said: "It hurt everyone badly because we can do a lot better than that. All you want to do is make amends.

"I'm pleased we're playing Burnley so soon after the Cup tie. This time we'll have Patrick Agyemang's pace up front and Jason Brown back in goal. We all want to do a lot better."

Providing he suffers no reaction from his midweek comeback for the reserves against Millwall, Brown will be recalled for the first time since he aggravated a thigh injury which forced him off in the home game against Preston on December 13.

Should there be further complications with Brown's fitness then the club will give serious consideration to asking Birmingham to extend Nico Vaesen's loan.

Inept up front in the Cup, Hessenthaler believes the quicksilver Agyemang, ineligible on January 24, will pose plenty of problems to Burnley's slow turning defence.

However, he is still no closer to having the settled side he has craved for all season.

Right-back Nyron Nosworthy is doubtful with the groin problem that almost forced him out of last Saturday's side against Bradford City while left-back John Hills is suspended.

Leon Johnson stands by to replace Nosworthy while Richard Rose, who produced an accomplished performance after coming on as a substitute against Bradford, could keep his place at left-back.

Centre-back Ian Cox will again miss a first reunion with his former club after breaking down in training this week with persistent ankle problems which will almost certainly require surgery.

Tommy Johnson is suspended while his proposed transfer to first club Notts County hangs in the balance. The striker is demanding full payment for the remaining 17 months of his contract which is blocking the deal.

Notts County manager Gary Mills has threatened to turn his attentions elsewhere unless negotiations are concluded this weekend.

Fellow striker Rod Wallace, who also made his comeback for the reserves in midweek, will start on the bench.

The good news for Gillingham is that Burnley striker Robbie Blake, their tormentor-in-chief two weeks ago, is out through suspension after collecting five cautions _ all for dissent.

With Blake suspended, manager Stan Ternent could opt for a 4-5-1 formation with on-loan Manchester United winger Luke Chadwick being recalled on the left of midfield.

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