GILLINGHAM midfielder Craig Stone has warned club captain Andrew Crofts that he's ready and waiting to replace him in the side.

Stone's presence in the team is testament to manager Mark Stimson's selection policy where performances matter and reputation count for nothing.

The 18-year-old is a product of the club's youth policy and he's now in the second year of his professional career at Priestfield.

He was included in the team at the expense of Crofts last month but has recently been back on the bench.

The young midfielder is revelling in the competition and insists he is determined to win his place back.

He said: "There are a few players battling it out for the same position and it adds that extra bit of bite in training when you've got something to push against.

"Sometimes you're not going to be playing because someone else is but it's down to you to work hard and get that place back again.

"I'm hot on his (Crofts') tail again and he knows that. He did take the place off me after I had taken the place off him when he was in Wales (on international duty).

"It's good for both of us and we can push each other. It's good competition and we have a nice bit of banter about it."