NYRON NOSWORTHY faces Gillingham's arch-rivals Millwall at Priestfield on Saturday with a colossal boost from England chief scout Ted Buxton.

The former Gillingham scout who rose to the ranks of England coach Sven Goran Eriksson's most trusted lieutenants, came away singing the young defender's praises after his highly accomplished performance in Tuesday's 1-0 win over title favourites Derby.

Last month Gillingham player-manager Andy Hessenthaler predicted that the 21-year-old would eventually graduate to the Premier League.

After watching Nosworthy on Tuesday, Buxton concurred. He said: "I've seen Nyron before but he looked different class against Derby.

"The thing that struck me was that he looked comfortable on the ball and was always ready to take a chance. There were a couple of occasions in the game where he looked to be in trouble but was so confident he got out of it with skill and pace.

"I know he's still only young but I would say that he has a big future ahead of him. He's a very exciting prospect."

Buxton believes that Gillingham are ready to make a mockery of bookmakers' predictions that they are doomed for relegation.

"I can't see where they get the idea that Gillingham will go down after two good seasons in Division 1," he added. "I think they've one heck of a chance and will make Priestfield a fortress."