Gillingham forward Jayden Clarke could be set for a starting role at Grimsby this weekend after starring in the Carabao Cup.

Clarke, 22, was a shining light in Gillingham’s first round match against Southampton, helping them to a 3-1 win, and was their main man at Premier League Luton Town in the second round on Tuesday night, scoring his first goal for the club.

Manager Neil Harris has asked the forward to be more positive in his play and he was electric on Tuesday, scoring a terrific solo goal and proving to be a handful for the Luton defence all night.

Clarke has only started once in the league for the Gills, in their final game of last season at Salford, but he’s in line for a lot more action if he can replicate his cup form in League 2.

“He has certainly put himself in contention,” said manager Neil Harris, who up until now has been using the former Dulwich Hamlet attacker sparingly.

“I thought he was outstanding. His composure and quality for the goal and his all-round game was as good as both worldies that Luton scored. I would put Jayden’s goal into that top category as well.

“I thought [he produced] everything we wanted from him, he broke forward, he handled the football, he was excellent without the ball and that is his best game in a Gillingham shirt by a mile.

“He really came of age on the night.”

Tom Nichols got Gillingham’s second goal on the night. It was his first of the season.

Harris said: “I am really pleased for Tom because he’s played extremely well this season, very well, but he hasn’t got the goals. He’s had the assists but it was really important for him to get off the mark.”

A switch to a five-man defence also meant a first start of the season for Conor Masterson.

Harris said: “Conor coming back in to get 90 minutes was really important, it certainly gives me food for thought going into the Grimsby game at the weekend but then we have Leyton Orient next Tuesday (in the EFL Trophy) as well, again an opportunity within the rules and regulations to make sure that players get the minutes they need.

“Macaulay [Bonne] got 70 minutes which was excellent for him, and he looked strong as well, which was good.”