Matt Lawrence believes he still has plenty to offer despite reaching the twilight of his playing career.

Lawrence was released from Crystal Palace in the summer and turned 36 in the summer but he was never thinking of quitting.

"I never thought that my football was over," he said.

"I’ve still got it, definitely. I started late at about 21-22 and people like Steve Claridge, Graham Alexander and the gaffer here Andy Hessenthaler have all played a lot more games than that.

"I know Andy played until he is 40. I’m not going to say I can last until I am 40 but I definitely have another couple of years in me."

Lawrence, who can play in central defence, at right-back or in midfield, adds valuable experience to the Gills.

He captained Millwall in the 2004 FA Cup final which saw the Lions lose out to Manchester United at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. In that same game both Curtis Weston and Mark McCammon appeared as second half substitutes for Millwall.

After making around 250 appearances for Millwall he moved to Crystal Palace, where he played another 137 games between 2006 and 2010.

He has also enjoyed life at the bottom end of the football ladder, having helped Fulham to promotion from the basement division.

Describing himself during Thursday morning’s press-conference, he said: "I’ve played football for the last 15 years and although I may not be the most talented person in the world I give hundred per cent every game. I know that’s a terrible cliche but that’s a fact and its the way I play my football. I can guarantee that I will do my best every game."

Lawrence, who is based in Sussex, has a degree in American Literature, having studied the works of novelists such as Charles Bukowski and Jack Kerowack, but admits that’s not going to help much this season.

"I don’t think I’ll be talking about that in the dressing room too much - I think we’ll stick to football and x-factor."

Lawrence met up with his new team-mates for the first time during Thursday morning training, and manager Andy Hessenthaler is ready to throw him straight in this weekend.

Hessenthaler said: " He has been training on his own and hasn’t had any competitive games but he is a fit lad and I won’t have any hesitation about throwing him in at the weekend if I have to. He has every chance of playing."

The defender signed a one year deal and the Gills boss feels his addition will be a huge boost.

"You only have to look at his pedigree and what he’s done and where he’s been over the years," he said.

"I am absolutely delighted we have got him and I think his experience will be fantastic for our team."

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