Amine Linganzi is determined to put his injury nightmares behind him.

The Frenchman made his first Gills start of the season at Bramall Lane last Saturday after his latest setback had seen him miss the first month of the campaign.

“I am back now and feeling better than before,” said the former Blackburn and St Etienne midfielder.

“I will carry on and hope to stay on the pitch as long as possible. It was a good feeling to start the game, especially against Sheffield United, but that has gone now.”

Constant injury setbacks have been partly the reason Linganzi has made only 23 appearances – six from the bench – since his move to the Priestfield from Accrington Stanley at the start of last season.

In a bid to finally cure his hamstring problems, the Gills management and medical team agreed to take him out of action for almost a month.

He said: “I just worked hard in the gym every day. I am 24 and need to play regular games. I am concentrating on my body and to not be injured again. If the gaffer gives me the chance I will take it. I know my ability and what I can do and add to the team.

“OK, I have had the injuries but I am mentally strong. That’s not going to hurt me.

Some players have their careers stopped by injuries but for me, I am still on the pitch so I consider I am lucky.”

Read the full interview in Friday's Medway Messenger.