By Luke Hollands

New Gillingham striker James Walker is hoping a move to Priestfield will bring a boost to his career.

The 22-year-old forward, pictured, arrived on an initial three-month deal after agreeing to terminate his contract at League 1 rivals Southend.

Walker struggled to hold down a regular place with the Shrimpers but is hoping to feature more in Mark Stimson’s side.

He made his debut in the defeat at Brentford on Saturday, playing for 58 minutes before he was replaced by Curtis Weston.

He said: "I’m excited, I just want to have my chance to play football. If I don’t start then I don’t start but I just want to play. I want to play a couple of games, show what I can do and progress my career if I can.

"Hopefully I’ll get more chance to play here, hopefully they’ll bring me off the bench. I wouldn’t come off the bench sometimes at Southend.

"I’m going to get my head down, do well, play a lot of football and hopefully score a couple of goals."

Despite only being on a three-month contract he is hoping the move to Gillingham could work out to be a long-term option.

He said: "I’d definitely think about staying. If I do well and they like me then I will stay."