MIDFIELDER Kevin Maher made his Gillingham debut at Hartlepool on Saturday and manager Mark Stimson was pleased with his performance.

The experienced midfielder, who spent 10 years with Southend, will be with the Gills on loan until the end of the season.

Stimson said: “It would have been difficult for Kevin. He’s a football player who likes to keep the ball and likes to be positive with his play.

“He wouldn’t have played in a team that has lost 4-0 probably over the last six months so that will be a shock to him.

“Kevin is here for one reason and that’s to help Gillingham get out of the problem we are in. We need his experience and he’ll be one I’ll be talking to over the next couple of days about the experiences he’s had.

“Go into the changing rooms and the matches and take it by the horns. Don’t worry if you upset a few people, just make sure they are doing their proper jobs around you.”