Gillingham midfielder Jack Payne is settling back into first-team life following a winter of discontent and insists his injury setback has taken none of his bite away.

The 19-year-old midfielder, pictured, cracked a bone in his foot before Christmas but is now nearing full fitness after starting the last three matches.

Payne said: "I don’t think about the injury, it can’t be in my head.

"I like to fly around and put myself about a bit and I can’t really think about it as I will end up getting hurt again. It doesn’t bother me now.

"The crack in my foot has healed and touch wood I get no more injuries..

"It wasn’t a happy Christmas for me," he added. "I have played in the last few games and so my fitness is getting there now. I feel all right and by next week I’ll be firing like I was before.

"I like the physical side of the game and although I’m not the biggest I will put myself about."

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