Matt Fish against Oxford on Saturday Picture: Barry Goodwin

By Luke Cawdell

Martin Allen believes several of his playing squad have Premier League potential.

One of the players Allen feels can make it to the top is full-back Matt Fish, who has won the Gillingham manager over with his performances on and off the pitch.

Allen admitted he was looking for someone else to play right-back for the club this season after his initial assessment of the squad.

But Fish, who has started every game for the Gills and was rewarded with a two-year extension to his contract, has saved the manager the trouble.

The Gills boss said: "I wasn’t sure about Fish when I got here but then he got better and better in pre-season training and then I thought, ‘oh my God, this boy is good’.

"I told Fish I was actually looking for someone to play right-back but then I kept seeing glimpses and I just took a shine to him.

"He has grown in confidence but he needs help and support. I’m not sure he knows how good he can be. I think some of the supporters were not too happy with him last season, so someone told me, and he was probably suffering. He doesn’t suffer anymore.

"He has potential and he could play in the Premier League. Fish could play in the Premier League and there are a few here that can play in the Premier League without a shadow of a doubt.

"They need to work hard at their game and there are also a few who could play Championship football and without a shadow of a doubt every single one can play in Division 1."

Fish, who started his career at Crystal Palace, has now made 43 appearances for Gills since joining from non-league Dover.

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