Connor Essam - one of the Gillingham youngsters who has followed Jack Payne into the first team - against Torquay Picture: Barry Goodwin

By Luke Cawdell

Jack Payne is thrilled to see a group of youngsters following in his footsteps into the Gillingham team.

The 20-year-old midfielder has become a regular for the Gills under the management of Andy Hessenthaler and in recent weeks a handful of teenagers have been given a chance to impress.

Paulo Gazzaniga has taken over in goal, while Connor Essam and Jack Evans have slotted in defence in place of much more experienced players. On Saturday they helped the Gills to a 2-0 win over Torquay - a second successive clean sheet and a much-needed three points.

Payne, with more than 80 appearances to his name already, said: "I know Connor and Jack and I have grown up alongside them since we joined as 10-year-olds.

"It’s nice to see them being given a chance and the gaffer has shown faith with us all. It is a massive gap to step up to and I had a year where I couldn’t get into the side, I was just travelling and travelling, then I got my chance and took it.

"There aren’t many people who get that chance and to be fair to them they have taken it."

Essam and Evans have started the last three matches, while Argentine Gazzaniga has replaced injured keeper Ross Flitney.

On Saturday the youngsters, alongside Payne, helped the Gills to their first victory in eight games, including that vital shut-out.

Payne said: "It is always good to keep a clean sheet and hopefully we can keep pushing up the table now."

That win puts Gillingham’s promotion hopes in a better shape but Payne insists they had never given up hope.

"We never thought we were out of the running for the play-offs," said the Cliffe youngster. "It was a turning point on Saturday. We got our win and now hopefully we can just go on a good run."

Has this group of Gillingham youngsters got what it takes to make an impact at the club? Have your say below.