Big things are expected of Lee Martin at Gillingham next season.

The forward-thinking midfielder has been one of Gillingham’s standout players so far in pre-season, impressing again during the 2-2 draw against Dover at the weekend.

Coach Steve Lovell praised the 30-year-old who missed most of last year with an injury picked up in pre-season a year ago.

“Lee has been an absolute gem in pre-season,” said Lovell.

“He has come back from the year he had with his injury and he has worked really hard.

“You would never think he was 30, he is one of the fittest boys at the club, a great pro and a pleasure to have around.

“He has hunger and if you get players into the team and the squad who want to play football, want to improve and get better, it’s going to be better for the whole club.

“Lee is one of those who has come back and has been fantastic in pre-season. He is sharp and very clever, we are happy to have him with us. Hopefully he can get to the level that he has been at in the past.”

Avoiding the injury problems of last season remains a key objective.

“It is a worrying time,” said Lovell. “Especially with the boys who have come back from injury but to get through another game with no injuries is a plus for us.”

Next up for the Gills is a visit to Chatham Town on Tuesday night. The game has been organised to unveil Chatham’s newly-installed floodlights. Kick-off is at 7.45pm.