Defender David Tutonda’s main focus is keeping Gillingham in League 2 but a run in the team could have extra benefits.

Tutonda, 27, has battled on through some tough times at Gillingham but this season he’s seen off the threat of loanee left-back Ryan Law, who ended up back at Plymouth. Impressive performances for the Gills will no doubt be noticed back in his country of birth, the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Tutonda, who was born in Kinshasa, started football late - moving to England as a youngster and only playing when he was about 10 years old, kicking around with his mates. His talent stood out and was picked up by Cardiff City at the age of 16, eventually signing a professional contact in 2014.

He’s never had the chance to play for DR Congo throughout his career. His only brief flirtation with international football was some training sessions in the Welsh set-up.

Speaking about the international scene, he said: “Quite early on (in my career) when I was 21, or so, I was looking to represent Congo but it never materialised at the time. I don’t think I was maybe ready to take that route but that is 100% something I would be looking to do.

“The few training sessions with Wales was a massive experience at the time, but never for Congo, and that’s something I would be looking to do. It would be massive - I have always looked to do it for my parents, when I was younger, as I have got older it would just be an achievement in itself. It is a possibility, never say never.

“The most important thing is keeping the shirt here, that is my focus. If that (international call-up) comes it is a bonus.”

Tutonda clocked up his 50th Gillingham appearances last Saturday and recently scored his first goal for the club too, in a 2-0 win at Colchester. He’s started the last 10 matches and is enjoying the run in the team.

He said: “(50 games) is really pleasing, it is a nice milestone. I don’t really keep tabs but a fan nicely tweeted it so I was able to see it. I am enjoying it here, it’s a good place to be at the moment. Hopefully we can just keep it going, there is a real buzz here.

“I feel like we have become more clinical, there is a lot more confidence, which is really important, you pick up habits when you lose and you pick up habits when you win. At the moment we have that winning habit, that winning mentality, and that is crucial.

“There is a lot more energy around the place, even around the training pitch, a real buzz, a nice place to be around.”

The Gills were looking to add another left-back to the squad in the January window - approaching Peterborough about Joe Tomlinson - but it never materialised. That additional competition drives everyone on, insists the defender.

He said: “I think when you are in a situation we were in, you are almost looking for some help and I think the new lads have provided that big time. It is the extra competition they bring as well. You have to up your game, you don’t really have a choice, you want to prove yourself to them and the gaffer. They have brought a massive boost to the squad.”

Tutonda will hope his form will also boost his chances of a new deal in the summer, when his contract at Gills expires.

“That is never in my mind to be honest,” he said. “I look to approach things day by day, game by game and I look to do my best for the club and when he season ends talks will take place and we’ll take it from there.”