GOALKEEPER Bertrand Bossu may discover this weekend that the old football adage about being only as good as your last game does not apply to him.

Last Saturday’s FA Cup hero against Premier League Charlton looks set to lose his place to on-loan Nico Vaesen in the side to face promotion-chasing Sheffield United at Priestfield on Saturday evening.

All player-manager Andy Hessenthaler would say on the subject was: “I shall pick my strongest side. Because league points are at stake, this game is more important than the Charlton tie.”

Vaesen, signed from Birmingham on Christmas Eve, produced exceptional handling under pressure in the 2-1 win at Millwall on December 28 and will almost certainly make his third appearance for the club.

Hessenthaler is still troubled by the calf injury sustained at Millwall and will miss out, allowing Danny Spiller to keep his place. Mark Saunders is available after breaking his nose in training last Friday.

Newcomer Darius Henderson, signed from Reading for £25,000, is ready to make his first, full appearance for the club after coming on as a substitute against Charlton. He will partner Mamady Sidibe up front.

The match is supposed to be Sidibe’s last before he joins up with the Mali squad for the African Nations Cup which kicks off in Tunisia on January 24. However, he could also be available for the following week’s trip to Derby.

Sheffield United’s Zimbabwe international striker Peter Ndlovu has received special dispensation to join his squad on Sunday, January 18 and Sidibe could receive the same should Gillingham apply.

Mali are expected to qualify from their group which includes favourites Senegal, Kenya and Burkina Faso. The final is scheduled for Saturday, February 14.

* Supporters are reminded that Saturday’s match is being broadcast live on Sky Sports and kicks off at 5.35pm.

* David Perpetuini has had an operation after damaging his cruciate knee ligaments at Millwall on December 28 and faces six months on the sidelines.