Youngster Jack Payne has agreed a new deal that sees him commit to the Gills until the summer of 2013.

Luke Rooney, who has scored twice already in his first year as a professional, has also been offered a deal for the same length of time. He has yet to agree the deal.

Talking about Payne (pictured), Stimson said: "It’s fantastic news for the football club to tie someone down with his potential for such a long period of time.

"He deserves the deal because he is in the team on merit and again on Saturday he didn’t play like a 17-year-old.

"Luke Rooney is thinking about his deal but I’m sure that will be sorted out on Monday or Tuesday."