GILLINGHAM midfielder Simon Osborn, who celebrates his 30th birthday on January 9, has praised the Kent club for saving him from the scrap heap. Osborn started the season without a club. Following a trial period, he left Port Vale after playing for them in the Worthington Cup at Charlton in September when the future looked bleak.

"People say Gillingham's good run is down to me but I'm just so pleased to have a club after my experiences at the start of the season," said Osborn. "I'm glad Gillingham gave me a chance to become part of a team that is playing well at the moment. Things have gone magnificently for me here with one defeat in 11 games."

The New Year promises a lively start for Osborn who faces two of his former clubs in Crystal Palace on New Year's Day at Selhurst Park and Wolves at Molineux in the FA Cup, third round on Saturday, January 5.

Meanwhile, Gillingham have been drawn away to Manchester City in the fourth round of the FA Youth Cup on January 16. The tie will be played at Hyde United's Ewen Fields ground (Kick-off 7pm).