By Luke Cawdell

Alan Julian believes Lance Cronin would be the ideal person to challenge him for the number one spot at Gillingham.

Both keepers made a big impact at Conference League level and Cronin now looks set to follow Julian back into the Football League.

Julian (pictured), who joined the Gills from Stevenage in 2008, said: "I have really got on well with him since he has come in. He’s a nice lad and has done well in the games he’s played.

"It’s not my decision, it’s the manager’s, but we work well together, work to improve each other’s goalkeeping and push each other along.

"He’s a good keeper and when I played against him I always thought he was one of the better ones in the Conference."

Cronin started out at Crystal Palace and spent brief spells at Wycombe, Oldham and Shrewsbury before establishing himself at Ebbsfleet. His performances there earned him a call-up into the England National Game XI.

He now looks set to replace Simon Royce, who departed in the summer for Brentford, as Gills’ second keeper and rival to Julian for the number one spot.

"Me and Royce got on well and I learnt a lot from him," said Julian. "Royce has gone now and good luck to him. Lance may well be the one to come in.

"We get on great, work well together and that’s nice."

Is Lance Cronin the ideal back-up for Alan Julian? Have your say below.