Jack Payne made his first senior start for Gillingham on Saturday and manager Mark Stimson was delighted with the teenager’s performance.

Payne (pictured) stepped in to replace injured midfielder Kevin Maher and left the field to a standing ovation after being substituted late on in the 5-0 thrashing of Swindon.

Stimson said: "He didn’t put a foot wrong, he was fantastic.

"We test these players in training and put them through certain things and you think, ‘if they can deal with that in training they are going to be okay on the main arena so long as they play their normal game', and that’s what he did.

"He was outstanding. He has taken his chance and I’m sure he will figure more as the season goes on."

Payne signed pro terms last season, at the age of 17, despite still being in the first year of a two-year youth scheme at the club. He had previously made just two substitute appearances.