GILLINGHAM boss Andy Hessenthaler has singled out goalkeeper Jason Brown for praise ahead of Saturday's clash at Sheffield United.

Brown has been recalled to the starting line-up recently and Hessenthaler admits his introduction has influenced the stronger defensive displays against Wolves and Watford.

Hess said: "Jason has a spring in his step now he's back in the team and the way he's playing means he's really enjoying his football again.

"He is very loud on the pitch and along with Nyron Nosworthy who gives us a bit of pace at the back, has made a difference to the way we've been defending in the past two games.

"It was less than a month ago he was in my office handing in a transfer request. We let that go because I know how quickly things can change in football.

"We've gone from defending very poorly, to putting in solid performances. That comes from looking at videos with the management team, showing the players what they are doing wrong and working hard on the training ground."

However, Hessenthaler also stressed it was a tough decision to replace Steve Banks as the club’s number one.

"We had been thinking about the change for two weeks even though Steve Banks had done little, if anything wrong.

"Steve took it on the chin, although he was not happy and told me he did not agree with my decision. But to his credit he is still very much with the team, working hard and is not sulking. He's a great lad and a true professional."