Teenager Darren Oldaker is the latest youngster to work his way into Justin Edinburgh’s first-team plans.

The 16-year-old joined the Gills at the start of the year after his release from QPR and has made a good impression on the first team manager.

His performances for the development side earned him a 10-minute run-out for the Gills on Saturday at Dover.

“He has done well in training,” said the Gills manager.

“We’ve had a little eye on him and I like what I’ve seen. He earned his chance to come into the group and I thought he showed some good vision with his passing and it was good to see him get involved.”

Oldaker – known as DJ to his team-mates – recently scored in a Gills XI friendly against Hollands & Blair and plays as an attacking midfielder.

He was signed just before Edinburgh arrived. “Credit to the club, they did their research and it looks like he has a chance,” Edinburgh said.

“If they are good enough, there is a pathway, that’s a simple fact.

“We are not here to let people come in for the sake of it. He has earned his right and that is the same as anyone who comes into the first team.”