by Luke Cawdell

Alan Julian has paid tribute to fellow Gills keeper Simon Royce as he continues to keep the more experienced man on the sidelines.

Julian (pictured) has played the last 16 games for Gillingham and has been given plenty of encouragement from Royce, despite keeping the veteran goalie out of the side.

"He’s been great and given me advice here and there," said Julian, who turned 27 on Thursday.

"He’s played at the top level and some day I hope I will be playing there too. I’ve just got to keep working hard and doing my best. He’s really helped and I’m thankful to him.

"He gives advice when he thinks I need it and he’s not just on at me all of the time. At Carlisle he pulled me aside at half-time to give me some advice and it’s really nice to have that. He has definitely helped me."

Julian, who is contracted to Gills until next summer, had his name circulated to other clubs in November after losing the battle for the number one spot with Royce.

But when Royce was injured in a car crash before Christmas, that let the former Stevenage keeper back in and he’s kept the number one shirt on merit ever since.

Before his current run in the side Julian had been restricted to just eight league appearances since signing in the summer of 2008.

Julian said: "Unfortunately I got in when he got injured rather than through earning my place but I think my form has been good. You know you need to be on top of your game and you can’t afford to relax.

"I never wanted to leave the club – I just wanted to play football. I’m really happy at the moment and I just hope I can stay in the team.

"I’ve been pleased with my form and I said that after five, six or seven games I would be more like myself and now I’m more confident and enjoying myself. This is me now.

"I needed a run in the team and fingers crossed I can get myself into the Northern Ireland side (as well). I’ll just concentrate on my form and who knows what could happen."