Peter Taylor believes young midfielder Jake Hessenthaler will continue to get ‘better and better’.

The 19-year-old has been rewarded with a new four year deal, following his impressive showing in the first team under Gills boss Taylor.

“We think he is an outstanding prospect for the club and we believe he will get better and better,” said Taylor, who handed Hessenthaler his debut at Rotherham three months ago.

“It’s good business for us and it is terrific for Jake as well because he is now a bit more secure. I am sure he will now work hard to make sure he keeps the first team place.”

Hessenthaler’s new deal includes incentives to reward him for minutes on the pitch, ensuring he will maintain his eagerness to improve.

“It’s a good contract,” said Taylor, when talking to Gills' website. “He is a hungry young player and there are lots of incentives in the contract and he has to play matches, which is what the club did with Bradley Dack.”

Hessenthaler has become a key player under Taylor, starting nine of the last eleven Gillingham games.

“I have been very impressed with the way Jake keeps the ball and the way he can handle it,” Taylor said.

“He is a good lad, a good professional and he wants to learn. He is always on that training pitch listening and he is always practicing his game. There are good signs but there are other areas he has to improve on and he knows that.”

Taylor was glad to secure the future of Hessenthaler but the rest of the players with expiring contracts must wait.

Taylor said: “Jake is a young player that is slightly more different to the other more senior professionals. And he added: “The chairman wants to reward young players who have done very well for the club.”

*Gillingham take on Carlisle United this Saturday. Keep up to date with the action on the KM Group's dedicated Gills twitter account.