WING-BACK Mark Patterson is still none the wiser how long he will be missing through injury as Gillingham aim to bounce back after Saturday's 4-1 drubbing by Manchester City at Maine Road. Patterson missed the match through a mystery injury which forced him off during last week's 2-2 draw with Burnley.

Club physiotherapist Ken Steggles believes the problem stems from the player's shoulder but is waiting for a specialist's diagnosis. Patterson has trained but is avoiding bodily contact. He said: "I ran for about 40 minutes but didn't put in any tackles. I don't know whether I've trapped a nerve but hopefully I'll have a better idea when I see a specialist."

Striker Iffy Onuora, who made way for Marlon King in the 61st minute at Maine Road after suffering a recurrence of a knee injury, expects to be fit for the weekend. But suspended Roland Edge faces a long spell on the sidelines after a scan revealed stress fractures in both lower legs. The left wing-back has not played since his sending off against Wimbledon on October 20.

Meanwhile, superstitious Gillingham supporters are calling for the club to ditch their yellow change strip, which they wore on Saturday, and have failed to take a solitary point in all season. After Saturday's defeat, fans described the strip as "Jonah colours."

Gillingham revert to their traditional blue at Crewe who play in red and white. The Crewe ticket office has confirmed that Saturday's match at Gresty Road is not all-ticket and admission will be pay on the day. Admission is priced at £15 adults, £12 senior citizens and £3.50 under 16s.

Missing from the Crewe side on Saturday will be star striker Dean Ashton, scorer of a spectacular winner in Gillingham's 2-1 defeat in last season's corresponding fixture at Gresty Road. Ashton, 17, has been called up for the England Under-19 squad for a mini tournament against Georgia and Hungary.