Joe Martin admits that the threat of being replaced is keeping him grounded.

The 23-year-old left-back has played every minute of Gillingham’s League 2 campaign so far.

But he knows even his position is under threat.

Martin (pictured) said: “In pre-season I had to come in and make the place my own and we have Danny Jackman and Andy Frampton who can also play in that position as well so I was fighting for my place right away.

“I am still looking to establish myself in that position. It’s not guaranteed that I will play every week and like everyone I have to keep on my toes.”

Martin has helped the Gills keep it tight at the back this season – conceding just four goals in their opening eight games.

“We are organised and it's not just been the back four, it's as a whole,” said the former Tottenham youngster.

“We have David Wright or Jack Payne playing infront of us and the squad is big with a couple of players capable of playing in each position at the minute and so it's looking good.

“We don't expect to win but we got into games feeling that we aren't going to lose and that we are not going to concede. If we do concede we feel like we can score more than the other team. That's how we feel at the minute and we couldn't ask for more.

“We had a decent squad to start with and now with the players the manager has brought in we are not League 2 at all. Robbie Findley is really fast and Wright has that experience and so there is a good mix in the squad at the minute with young and experienced players.”

Looking ahead to Saturday, Martin added: “Rochadale came down last year but we are flying and we will be confident of getting another win.”