GILLINGHAM keeper Jason Brown cannot wait for pre-season to start so he can erase memories of last season's injury-blighted campaign.

The squad resumes training on July 1 and the 22-year-old who lost his place to Steve Banks after two thigh tears is determined to take back the number one shirt.

After missing most of the second half of the season the Wales under-21 stopper has been training alone all summer.

Speaking while he worked out, he said: "It has been going really well and I feel fit and strong. I'm really looking forward to pre-season and getting back playing as missing so much of last season was frustrating for me."

The former Charlton reserve team keeper was out for four and a half months. He played just one of the last 25 games, but the weakened thigh muscle tore again in the game against Burnley back in February.

That was the last time he played first team football, but he is determined that he will be the man who faces the potent strike forces of Wolves, West Ham and the other fancied clubs for promotion.

He said: "What's important for me is that I play. We know it's going to be a hard season because of the quality of the three sides that have come down from the Premier League and those that have come up from Division 2.

"Wolves and Nathan Blake is one that stands out for me, as is West Ham and David Connolly who will both provide huge test for all keepers in the division."

Brown is also looking forward to settling old scores and taking an early scalp: "I don't mind who our opening game is against. Sometimes it's good to kick off against one of the stronger teams, because if you get a result it sets team confidence flying and you can build on that."