Joe Gbode left the Priestfield pitch to a standing ovation on Saturday after his first league start under Mark Bonner.

The Gillingham forward played a pivotal role in the team’s opening goal against Tranmere Rovers on Saturday and manager Bonner has laid down some challenges for the teenager if he wants to become a regular in the first-team.

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Bonner said: “Everyone loves a club-developed player, don't they? Especially one that brings the game to life and is exciting.

“We’ve played eight games and he's played in seven of them. He’s started three (twice in cup competitions) and he's right in amongst it. He's having some good moments in games.

“The Peterborough game in the Trophy was probably his best performance.

“His challenge is to tidy his whole game up, which will take time, and his challenge is to find consistent levels where what he's good at, he does every single week.

“If he's brilliant at something, you always accept that there's a weakness somewhere else in everyone's game. It's us and him trying to get the best out of himself every day.

“That's across the team really. I'm pleased with him, I'm excited by him, more importantly, what's possible for him.

“Loads to do out of possession, but (he) gives us a real direct threat with the ball and had some excellent moments throughout the day, so that was perfect.

“He had some really encouraging bits in possession to give us a good pace and a direct threat and his part in the goal was very good.”

Gbode ran the ball out from defence and got the Gills on the attack, resulting in a goal for Armani Little after a move from back to front.

Since making his senior debut in November 2021, Gbode has played 14 league games - with 12 of those appearances off the bench. He’s had loan spells elsewhere but any plans to send him out again are on hold as he pushes for more first-team minutes.

Bonner said: “Obviously, our squad is where it is at the moment. He's played seven of eight games so there's no chance of that happening now.

“The younger players need to be playing to develop. If they fall away from playing at any time, the loan market's always open pretty much all year to the National League.

“As and when, if that ever comes up, then fine but at the minute, keep getting in our team, keep influencing games and he'll be here.”