Gillingham loan defender Adam El-Abd believes he’s part of something special.

The Gills extended their unbeaten run to five games on Saturday, with a tense goalless draw against Coventry.

Bristol City loanee El-Abd has helped shore up the defence and is thrilled to be involved in a team chasing promotion.

“This is a special group,” said the 31-year-old, who helped Bury to promotion from League 2 last season.

“There are some really good players here first of all, some good characters and a great atmosphere.

“It’s a really good team spirit and it hits you in the face as soon as you walk in through the door. There is good banter going around and it is nice to be part of it.

“I am hoping we can reflect that on the pitch, have a good end to the season and hopefully make a charge to the top two and, if not, then have some good form going into the play-offs.”

The Gills are nine points off the automatic promotion places and have seven games to play, one more than second-placed Burton.

El-Abd said: “I don’t think at the start of the season anyone would have expected Gillingham to be challenging for the top two, but all credit to the boys.

“It is no surprise when you work day in day out with them, there are good players there. The gaffer and the staff have done an unbelievable job.

“It is a great group. When I walked into the dressing room, one thing that strikes you straight away is that they all work so hard for each other. It bodes well for the future.”