Peter Taylor wants star defender John Egan to commit to the Gills long-term.

The former Sunderland youngster signed a two-year deal with the League 1 side in the summer.

But Gillingham manager Taylor now wants Egan to extend that contract and become the shining light among his young hopefuls.

“I have spoken to him about extending it,” said the Gills manager. “I have left it to him because he has a very good agent.

“He came here because he knew he would play and I am sure he is happy because he is getting everything he wanted. He is showing people what he can do every week.

“We want John to sign here longer and that is what we are looking to do. We are looking to build a good young team. John Egan to me would be the perfect star in that group.

“The ball is in his court a bit. We haven’t talked terms but we have spoken that we would like to extend it.

“I have told him that I see it as a no-brainer to sign something like that because he then has a bit of security.”