Martin Allen saluted his young Gillingham stars for their efforts at the weekend – but promised them more pain before their season ends.

The Gills manager handed six youngsters their debuts as the League 2 champions ended their season with a 3-2 defeat at Burton.

But while the senior players enjoy their holidays, the young guns aren’t finished yet.

"All of the boys we saw have got nine sessions to do," said Allen (pictured).

"There are nine days, Monday, Wednesday and Friday through to the end of the (next) month and yes, it’s tough. It is harder than tough.

"It is mentally and physically exhausting but it is getting them ready for next season and if they want a bit of what they had on Saturday then they are going to have to get through that.

"They’ll be doing sit-ups, press-ups, core work, step-ups, running, long mileage but for me I don’t believe in giving them two months off, what a complete waste of life.

"It is only a 10-month competition. Legally you have got to give them a month off but if you are going to be a footballer and earn millions of pounds then you have to put the work in, it’s a no-brainer.

"They will have top development, from our sports scientists, with of course my old-fashioned values in there as well. After nine sessions they will be loving it and will feel great. No doubt they will be coming back and will be ready for pre-season."

The senior players, meanwhile, begin their summer break with a trip to Benidorm. They departed from Gatwick on Monday morning.

"I’m sure in Benidorm we will just find a quiet bar, sit down and chill out," said Allen.

"Me, probably, I will just sleep for most of the time and let all the lads have a good time."