Gillingham striker Brandon Hanlan is working hard to be lethal.

The 21-year-old knows he needs to add more goals to his game after hitting three in 25 appearances so far this season.

And with former Gills hotshot Steve Lovell as his boss, he is getting plenty of encouragement.

Hanlan said: “The gaffer knows what a striker needs to do to get goals.

“He has a lot of advice to give and is just those little things, little movements, extra things that can help. He always has something to say.

“Those important movements in the box can get you the goals, those little six yards, and the finishing as well. I just have to keep hitting the net in training, doing all the basics right and I know I can score goals.

“It is just about putting it into matchday to show everyone I can do it. The goals will come, I just have to keep doing the right things.”

Hanlan, who scored against West Ham in a midweek reserve game, came on as a substitute against Walsall last weekend with the Gills already 3-0 down.

He’ll be hoping his positive showing off the bench helps win him a recall to the starting XI this Saturday in the FA Cup fourth round at Swansea.

With few cup highlights to recall, now would be the ideal time to show what he can do in front of goal.

“Hopefully I can get on the pitch and do my bit to help the team win,” said the former Charlton youngster.

“There were goalscoring opportunities (last Saturday) but it wasn’t the easiest game to come on and score. Like at the start of the season, myself and (fellow substitute) Regan (Charles-Cook) showed that we gel on the pitch. We have played together for years.

“No player wants to be on the bench, obviously, but you have to keep the right mindset and prepare like you are starting the game and then when you get on, just shine and try and do as much as you can and keep the gaffer’s options open for Saturday’s selection.”