GILLINGHAM'S young star Danny Spiller is full of confidence ahead of today's crucial date with fate against Stoke.

The combative midfielder stressed: "With the set-up we've got here, the character of all the players, the spirit in the dressing room and the manager's attitude and will to win I can't see it being a problem to get the result we need.

"But we've got to go out there, be patient and take our chances. We've got the players up front and hopefully the boys can put the ball in the back of the net."

Spiller scooped a new contact and three trophies at the club's annual awards last weekend but the spectre of relegation has rained on his parade somewhat.

The young star revealed his feelings before one of the biggest games in the club's history. He said: "I signed a two-year YTS here when I was 16. I'm 22 and I've grown up watching the club and seeing how we'll done over the past few years and it would be a big shame to see the club go back down.

"It's surprised me a little to see where we are, but we've been really hit with injuries and that's had a big impact on our season. It's disappointing to be at the wrong end of the table.

"There's a few nerves but that's not a problem really in the build-up to the game. When we get to the ground and start doing the warm-up we'll know what the game is all about and how much is at stake.

"It's a massive day for the club and we're going out there to do a job and hopefully we can do that to keep our place in Division 1."

He added: "I think patience is the key for Sunday. A draw possibly will be enough for us to be safe, depending on the Walsall result and I'm sure someone will be letting us know on the pitch what will be happening there."

Meanwhile, Gillingham boss Andy Hessenthaler told KM-fm's Ed Cook his thoughts ahead of Sunday's game...