Gillingham could be up against one of their own when they face Tottenham Hotspur under-21s in the Football League Trophy next week.

Tottenham’s 18-year-old defender Luis Binks is Gillingham-born, a former season ticket holder and his mum Jo works in the club’s ticket office.

Binks made a late substitute appearance against the Gills in the EFL Trophy last season, in a match played at The Valley, but could start at Priestfield on Tuesday, dependent on international commitments.

The former Howard School pupil has been at Spurs since the age of six and has played for England up to under-19 level. Another call-up could rule him out of next week’s clash.

Mum Jo Binks, who is a liaison officer in the club’s ticket office, would love to see him play close to home, having travelled far and wide supporting her son, along with dad Tom – a former Chatham Town player – and 11-year-old daughter Isla, who is Luis’ biggest fan.

“There would probably be tears,” said Jo. “Gillingham FC has been a massive part of his life since the day he was born.

“We’re very proud of him and I would love it if he played against Gillingham.”

Binks, who went to Twydall Primary School, was a season ticket holder at the Gills but stopped attending regularly because of his own football commitments. He was there last Saturday to watch the Rotherham match.

The 6ft 4inch left-sided centre-back is rated highly at White Hart Lane.

He was capped by Scotland early on at youth level – his grandfather is Scottish – but switched to England and has progressed up the age groups. He scored for the under-18s earlier this year in a 2-0 win over Mexico in the Slovakia Cup.

Last season he featured for Spurs in their under-18 Premier League team which finished runners-up in the division. He was part of their under-17 side that lifted the Euro Youth Cup in Germany last September.

He has also played for Tottenham’s under-23s in the Premier League 2.

Tuesday’s game kicks-off at 7pm as the Gills attempt to attract young fans to the match.