HARRY REDKNAPP has sung the praises of Gillingham's Andy Hessenthaler with a glowing tribute ahead of Saturday's match at Portsmouth.

The former West Ham manager, now in charge of the Nationwide League, Division 1, leaders and promotion favourites, believes the Gills boss should have played in the Premier League to climax what he describes as an outstanding career.

"Andy Hessenthaler is a fabulous little player who really should have played in the Premier League, said Redknapp. "I've managed in the Premier League and know he would have been good enough.

"But he's made a terrific start in management which couldn't have been easy what with playing and managing.

"I know, and our team will know, that he makes Gillingham tick. I watched Gillingham at Reading two weeks and thought he was outstanding that night."

Though Pompey have won 11 of their 16 league home games this season, scoring 39 goals at Fratton Park, Redknapp is not underestimating the challenge Gillingham pose before a 19,000 sell-out crowd.

"When I watched Gillingham at Reading, the better side lost," he said. "What impressed me was the pace Gillingham had up front that night.

"Whenever they got the ball up to their front players they immediately posed a threat. Gillingham are a difficult team to play against, especially away from home, and I will be impressing that on my players."

Both teams are likely to be unchanged with Redknapp expected to name the side that held second placed Leicester 1-1 on Monday. Hessenthaler sticks with the side that overwhelmed Grimsby in Saturday's 3-0 rout at Priestfield.

Fit-again Mark Saunders is likely to be on the bench after recovering from a pulled hamstring sustained in the 3-0 defeat at Preston on February 1.

Hessenthaler believes Saturday's duel for midfield control will strongly influence Saturday's outcome. He said: "They have a lot of experience in that department with Paul Merson and Tim Sherwood who will be looking to stamp their authority. But we're a side that always rises to a challenge."

The Gills boss was this week ruing the loss of Tuesday's rearranged home game against Wimbledon which fell victim to a frozen pitch.

After the manner of Saturday's league success against Grimsby, Hessenthaler and his players were itching to play.

"It was a blow because when you're winning the next game can't come quick enough," he added. "Had we played and won we could have jumped four or five places which would have been psychologically important going into the Portsmouth game."

Gillingham supporters are reminded that Saturday's match is all-ticket and none will be available on the day. Ticketless Gills fans were told to stay away from Fratton Park on Saturday.

Tuesday's match with Wimbledon has been rearranged for Tuesday, March 11. Next Tuesday, Gillingham make a second attempt to play their home game against Norwich which was postponed on January 1.