By Luke Cawdell

Teenager Jack Payne could be set for a starring role in the Gillingham team next season according to boss Mark Stimson.

The 18-year-old (pictured) once more excelled for the Gills after being drafted in to replace injured captain Barry Fuller at right-back against Leeds on Saturday.

He has been used sparingly in the side this season but Stimson has big plans for the central midfielder.

"I have massive belief in Jack Payne as a football player," said Stimson. "This is a great learning curve for him and great experience. He will gain so much for it.

"This season he started off really well but then came up against players who were physically too much for him. Next year for him is going to be massive and I think the team could be built around him because he is that good."

"He is 18 but doesn’t play like one. He has everything and the one thing he’s probably lacking is a bit of physical stature but he will do some serious work in the summer with our fitness guy and hopefully beef up a bit."

Stimson added: "On Saturday he was called upon after two minutes and was against a very good left winger. In the end that winger was taken off and he can be really pleased with his week’s work."

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