Watford v Gillingham

ATTACKING midfielder Michael Flynn is a player Gillingham manager Stan Ternent has admitted to have been "chasing for ages".

The 24-year-old signed a two-and-half year free contract at Priestfield on Thursday and will go straight into Saturday's squad for the trip to Watford.

Ternent said of the former Wigan Athletic man: "He is a young, up-and-coming player and I think he will do well. He is not a prolific scorer - he will tell you that himself - but I expect him to chip in with a few goals.

"I want to strengthen the squad so there's competition for places. I know the players I want, although it would be difficult to get in another player before the weekend.

"I've known about Michael for a long time. I almost took him to my previous club Burnley but Wigan jumped in before me."

Flynn has spent most of this season on the bench as Wigan strive to get back into the top-flight, making just one start and coming on 12 times as a substitute.

A cartilage injury and broken foot limited him to just nine games last season and although he has only scored three goals in 46 league and FA Cup appearances his work rate creates goals for others.

Flynn said: "I am generally not injury-prone, but am fit now and ready for the challenge. We need seven wins from our last 16 games and I'd especially like us to win against Wigan in three weeks."

On his first impressions of Gillingham, he said: "There are a good bunch of lads here, a colourful manager who is definitely a big reason why I signed and it's an opportunity for me to play more.

"It was fine to be at a club like Wigan going for promotion but it was hit and miss for me. Ask any footballer, they want to play and although my favourite position is central midfield, I'll play wherever the manager wants me to.

"I will be trying to get forward, but will also be back in the other box defending. Everyone knows how dedicated Stan Ternent is, he works his players hard and expects 100 per cent, which is right as you don't get anywhere without hard work."