By Luke Cawdell

Luke Rooney is determined to emerge from the fringes this season and become a key figure in Gillingham’s League 2 promotion charge.

The exciting young forward (pictured) has made 32 league appearances for the Gills but all but four have been off the substitutes’ bench.

The coming campaign will be his third in the first team and he’s eager to make it one to remember.

"It’s a massive season coming up for me," said Rooney, who reports back for pre-season training along with the rest of the Gills squad on Monday.

"Even though I made a lot of appearances last season there weren’t too many starts for me. I spoke to the manager before I left for the summer.

"I know what he needs out of me and I am prepared to come back and give it to him.

"I want to be one of the first names on the team sheet this year rather than just an impact player."

The 20-year-old is eager to show manager Andy Hessenthaler that he means business.

"He (Hessenthaler) wants me to come in during pre-season and show that I can be a starter," added Rooney.

"I am prepared to do that and I am going to work even harder than I have done before.

"Last season I was in his face and I think that’s what he likes. He wants people to be grafting and causing a problem and I did that a couple of times last year. I gave him a few things to think about and he put me in the side."

Are you expecting Luke Rooney to step up next season and secure a regular first-team place? Have your say below.