Captain Adam Barrett is backing Gillingham’s young stars to continue making his life tough next season.

The 33-year-old defender is being put under pressure from some of the club’s development squad players, who are closing in on the first team under boss Martin Allen.

Callum Davies is leading the charge for a first team place, having played 18 games last season.

And Gills’ player-of-the-year has welcomed the challenge from a player who was just six when Barrett made his Football League debut.

He said: “Callum had a fantastic season and it is difficult when you are a young lad and coming in. I think he has been tremendous and it takes time to get the consistency.

“Playing 10 games is different to when you play 40-50 games but he will get that. He is a tremendous prospect.”

Another young player who will be pressing for first team action next year is Devante McKain, who joined the Gills seven months ago from non-league Maidenhead.

Barrett said: “Devante came in for the last game and for the long-term future of the club that is fantastic. For the likes of me that is what you want; you want those lads coming through.

“I really feel like I can help them and they keep you on your toes. I wanted to come to a place that is hungry and this place is hungry.”

Gillingham’s first team squad have another two and a half weeks before returning for pre-season training.