by Luke Cawdell

Andy Hessenthaler believes Jack Payne can continue to blossom at Gillingham amid growing interest in the young midfielder.

The 19-year-old (pictured) has looked a class act in the Gills midfield at the start of this season and his stunning goal at Barnet on Tuesday further boosted his reputation.

"He is a terrific young player and he is growing in confidence all of the time," said Gillingham manager Hessenthaler.

"His CV shows that he has played a lot of games at league level at a young age so he is doing well. I was pleased for him."

Payne has been with the Gills since he was 10 and was handed a professional contract before he finished his youth scholarship. He has already played 61 games for the club.

Hessenthaler added: "He is a comfortable footballer in this division and should be playing at a higher level.

"We will nurture him along. He is enjoying his football and scoring goals now. He is going to have a real big future but we want him to have a big future at Gillingham first and see where he goes.

"I know there have been a lot of scouts watching Jack over the last couple of years and, because of the young age he is, it doesn’t surprise me that people are drooling over him.

"He is a good player but he is loving his football here."

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