Cronin won the 2008 FA Trophy with Ebbsfleet United

Gillingham manager Andy Hessenthaler has backed goalkeeper Lance Cronin to bounce back from the mistake that led to defeat by Bradford on Saturday.

The Gills lost to an injury-time goal after the 25-year-old was out-jumped.

But Hessenthaler told BBC Radio Kent: "He's a good keeper, you don't become a bad keeper overnight just because you've made one mistake."

But Cronin faces a battle to keep his place against Burton on Saturday after Alan Julian returned to training.

The Gills' first choice keeper has been out for nearly a month after fracturing his hand against Lincoln.

Hessenthaler, who criticised Cronin after the mistake against Bradford, said: "If you can't take criticism in this game then you shouldn't be in it.

"I've been criticised in my career and for mistakes.

"I've been honest with him. I sat down and watched the DVD and ran through it with him.

"I thought he'd let the player dictate to him instead of him dictating the situation - that's how I see it.

"I've been critical of him because he made a mistake but we all make mistakes - and that's what I said to him.

"He'll be okay. He's got to keep his confidence up and I think people have got to believe in him. I do believe in him, I think he's a good keeper."

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