Winger Aaron Rowe has served a warning to the defenders in League 2.

Gillingham’s quick-footed 23-year-old enjoyed a fine season on loan at Crewe last term - narrowly missing out in the play-off final - and he’s keen to get going again now he’s got a new club.

He said: “[Those defenders] will have to do a lot of running, a lot of moving on their feet. I am a tricky player so let’s see how they manage.

“My plan is just no risk, there are going to be loads of mistakes and loads of giving the ball away but it is about how you react and I like to play free, just do what I need to do.”

Rowe robbed a Southend defender to create a goal last weekend on the counter-attack and hopes to stay one step ahead of his opponents.

“I like it when they don’t expect me to press,” he said.

“[The defender] thought he had beaten me but I feel like that. It’s the best time to press and try and nick the ball.

“I was happy to start a counter-attack and get the goal. There is no giving up.”

Rowe grew up in Hackney and played for Leyton Orient as a youngster before joining Huddersfield Town in 2018, moving from his roots.

He spent last season on loan at Crewe and is glad to be back south where he’ll have his family watching on - an extra reason to want to impress.

“I have settled in well,” he said. “The boys are top and it’s a good club, a good area, closer to home for me as well. I have been way from home for nearly six years now.

“My family can come to games and that was definitely a positive. I think it can make a difference when I have family members coming, especially my dad.

“I will be looking to impress him and it’s definitely a bonus for me.

“He’s been there from the start, taking me everywhere from my Leyton Orient days when I was 11, making a lot of sacrifices, and I feel like I owe him.

“I think everyone in the dressing room is raring to go now. We can’t wait for the first game and it’s at home which is good to get the home fans buzzing.”

Rowe can play out wide, or as Saturday showed, he can also be deployed as a No.10 behind the main striker.

“I am a bit versatile,” he said. “I have played in a number of positions, especially last season.

“I played a lot in the No.10 [role] and out wide for Crewe but as long as I am playing and I can affect the game that is all that matters.”

The Gills have one more pre-season test to come before that season opener on August 10 against Carlisle United.

Mark Bonner’s men head to National League side Woking this Saturday (3pm).

There’s not been much of a break for Rowe, having gone the distance last season by finishing the campaign at Wembley and quickly starting pre-season, joining teammate Jayden Clarke for some early sessions.

He said: “I feel like you definitely need to have a little pre pre-season, because if you don’t then you’re coming to pre-season struggling and behind. I feel it is definitely needed, that training here and there. I am feeling good.”