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By Luke Cawdell
On-loan striker Antonio German has already seen enough of Gillingham to make him want to stay long-term.
The 21-year-old has made two substitute appearances for Martin Allen’s side after recently joining on an initial one-month loan from League 1 Brentford.
But with chances at Brentford limited and a summer of uncertainty on the horizon, German (pictured) hopes to make a big impact at Gillingham for a chance to extend his stay.
The former QPR frontman said: "I like it here. There are no big-timers, everyone is level-headed and down to earth.
"The manager is great and it’s a good place to be. The facilities here are good as well, for a League 2 club. My contract (at Brentford) runs until the end of this season and I would love to stay here after, for next season.
"It’s hard scoring goals when you are coming off the bench but hopefully if I keep working hard in training, the gaffer will give me a chance to start. I want to stay until the end of the season. The original loan is just for a month and I will see that out and hopefully if I do well, the manager will want to keep me."
German has known Allen for some time, having been coached by him while he was a junior at QPR. When the Gills boss went knocking on Brentford’s door – where he had made just four substitute appearances this season – German didn’t have to think twice about moving to Priestfield.
The striker said: "He has always been the same. He is a good manager and motivator and has given me a chance here. There wasn’t much to think about when they wanted me. It was a quick decision."