Andy Hessenthaler believes Gillingham have the potential to cause an FA Cup giantkilling having been drawn at home to Stoke in the third round.

Gills’ reward for Saturday`s 1-0 victory at Leyton Orient is the visit of a Stoke side managed by former Gills boss Tony Pulis, who departed Priestfield in 1999 after four successful years at the helm following a public spat with current chairman Paul Scally.

The Premier League Potters will prove a tough nut crack on the back of last year`s run to the final at Wembley and will be more than ready for the battle they can expect in Kent.

But that does not mean Gills cannot cause an upset. Manager Hessenthaler, first brought to Priestfield by Pulis in 1996, told the club`s official website: “It will be an interesting game. It will be tough against Premier League opposition but we have nothing to fear.

“If we play to our maximum and catch them on an off-day then who knows? We will need to put on a good performance.

“We will look forward to it when it comes around. It should be financially rewarding for the club – with a good crowd.”

There should be a sell-out at Priestfield for the game with the club expecting to name the date for the tie in the next few days.