Stefan Payne celebrates his goal with Luke Rooney Pic: Barry Goodwin

by Luke Cawdell

Stefan Payne netted his first senior goal in the 6-1 win at Hereford and he’s hoping it’s the first of many.

Payne has been a regular scorer for the reserves but Saturday’s late strike was the first time on the scoresheet in a senior outing.

"It was a massive weight off my shoulders and it was about time too!" said the 20-year-old.

"I had been waiting a long time for the goal and it was worth the wait. The fans were behind me and they went mental as well.

"Now I can go out there and relax and hopefully there will be a lot more goals to come."

Payne joined the Gills last summer from Fulham, having previously made a name for himself in non-league with Sutton.

Despite starting the opening game of Gills’ 2010/11 season, he has been restricted to appearances from the bench ever since.

It’s been a frustrating time for the 19-year-old but he said: "I have had a few injuries and I have been ill and it meant I missed a few games.

"When I came back I worked hard to get fit and started to look sharp in training.

"I have been getting a lot more game-time this season and the manager has been putting me on a lot earlier. I am repaying him with some good performances.

"Last season I learned a lot and learned not to let my head go, to keep pushing.

"I am still young and learning and things can only go up and up. Little things you keep adding to your game, and it can only make you better.

"I need to impress as I am in the last year of my contract and hoping to get a new one. Hopefully I can get a few more goals, have some great performances and see how it goes from there."

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