While Cody McDonald and Adebayo Akinfenwa continue to power Gillingham towards the League 2 promotion places there has been little chance for others to shine in attack.

One of those waiting in the wings is teenage striker Stefan Payne (pictured) and, after a month in Blue Square Bet South with Braintree, he is back at Priestfield desperate to get a piece of the action.

He said: "Everyone tells me I am still young and that my time will come. It’s hard to take at first but some pros don’t make it into the first team until they are 25, 26. I am still 19 and already around the professional scene.

Payne has made just one start for the Gills and 16 substitute appearances.

"You have to be ready to take your chance when it comes," he said. "It would mean everything to me for the chance to be in the team. I just want to get on and show what I can do."

McDonald has hit 22 goals this season, while Akinfenwa has added 10, and the pair are forming a formidable partnership. They are two strikers Payne is enjoying working alongside.

"You can’t really complain about being an understudy to those two. I would love to have both of their attributes, to be able to hold the ball up like Bayo and get in behind and finish like Cody. With that I could fit into any team.

"If I keep training hard and doing well in the reserves the manager is not going to be able to leave me out."

Do you think Payne will get a chance in the Gills side? Have your say below.