SKIPPER Paul Smith has acclaimed the heart and lungs of youngster Nyron Nosworthy as influential in Gillingham's mini-revival. Since breaking back into the side at Birmingham a week ago, the 21-year-old has impressed with his pace and infectious enthusiasm alongside Smith in a blossoming, new-look midfield.

Nosworthy's Gillingham's career has been punctuated by persistent injury setbacks, which have restricted his first team appearances. Now, all fired up following three successive starts, he is staking a claim to stay put.

"If you asked Nyron where he prefers playing he would probably tell you the right wing-back position," said Smith ahead of Saturday's match at Manchester City. "But I'm bound to say he's doing a terrific job in midfield. He's got the heart and most certainly the lungs.

"I think he could run all day and has played a big part in lifting us up the table."

Smith is convinced the new-look midfield, in which he has been joined by Simon Osborn, David Perpetuini and Nosworthy, has still to bed in. "It takes time but we're getting there," he added. "Simon is very confident on the ball and his arrival has given me the freedom to get forward more."

Looking ahead to Saturday's match, the skipper said: "We know we're going to have our work cut out because Maine Road is a daunting place to go. But we're all looking forward to it because every player loves the big-match atmosphere."

Player-manager Andy Hessenthaler may be forced to switch Nosworthy from midfield to the right wing-back position if Mark Patterson fails a fitness test after coming off against Burnley in midweek with a neck injury.