Gillingham’s teenage star Elliott List hasn’t looked back since being released from Crystal Palace at the end of last season.

He was one of 18 young hopefuls shown the door by the Premier League club.

But while those retained are still struggling to get near the senior squad, List is relishing life at the Gills, having recently tasted first-team action.

“It has been an enjoyable experience,” said the 18-year-old, who has been in every matchday squad since making his debut at Swindon on Boxing Day.

“When I came here I wanted to push to get into the first team and am happy to have got in and among it.

“It was a blow to get released by Crystal Palace but I see it as a positive at the same time. I am doing better than the boys I speak to at Palace are. They are only just making the squad for the under-21s and I see it as a blessing.”

The former Bromley youngster has five substitute appearances to his name so far.

The versatile forward said: “Every time I get onto the pitch I want to try and change the game and prove I should be out there and that I can make a difference.

“Teams won’t have seen much of me at all and I try and surprise them when they are a bit tired to try and get them a goal.

“I like to get people up off their seats and create things out of nothing.”