Luke Rooney salutes the fans after Saturday's draw Picture: Barry Goodwin

By Luke Cawdell

Luke Rooney struck the equaliser for Gillingham on Saturday and is happy to be playing the part of super sub as he waits patiently for a bigger role in the team.

Rooney’s 87th-minute strike grabbed the Gills a point at Torquay after he came off the bench once more, with explosive repercussions.

The skilful 20-year-old has yet to break into the first team on a regular basis but a succession of impressive substitute appearances in recent weeks means he’s becoming a player who is hard to ignore.

"You don’t want to be labelled a substitute but I only turned 20 in December and I have time on my side," he said.

"I have always said that I feel if I get a run in the side I can really help the team and make things happen.

"That’s the aim for the future but for now if I can continue to do what I’m doing then I’m satisfied with that. And if I come off the bench eight or nine more times in a season and score I don’t mind!"

It was Rooney’s third goal in Gillingham colours and his most important yet.

"It felt brilliant to score and I’m over the moon," he said.

Do you think Luke Rooney should be given a place in Gillingham's starting line-up? Leave your comments below