Young striker Nathan Nyafli celebrates his goal at Burton Pic: Barry Goodwin

by Luke Cawdell

Debutant Nathan Nyafli netted for the Gills with his first touch on Saturday in a moment that left him in dreamland.

Nyafli had only been on the field for three minutes when he latched onto a loose ball and smashed it home infront of 1,500 travelling fans.

"I couldn’t have asked for anything better," said the 19-year-old. "To score my first goal on my debut with my first touch is a great way to end the season.

"It felt surreal and like I was dreaming. I didn’t know what to do and when I celebrated I didn’t know where to go. I almost ran to the away fans!"

Nyafli was told he was being let go from the Gills in March before boss Martin Allen had a change of heart and handed him a new deal.

With a goal on his debut the youngster can’t now wait for more

"When I was told I was not going to be at club I was disappointed," he said. "I have been working hard all season and I want to be a professional footballer, that’s all I have wanted to do and when he told me I wasn’t getting a contract I was disappointed but I carried on and still came in the next day, doing the running.

"He (Allen) then told me I was getting a contract and I was delighted. Since then I’ve kept my head down and worked even harder. I got the opportunity to make my debut and I can’t thank him enough.

"It’s been a massive change around and that’s what the game is like. One minute you can be down and the next you can be up.

"I don’t know if I will score one like that again but now I just have to work hard and go again next year.

"To do that week in and week out must be the best thing and that’s why it is the best job. After having a little taste of it now I want more!"