Gillingham’s young midfielder Josh Chambers will stay out on loan for the rest of the season - but remains part of the manager’s long-term plans.

Neil Harris believes Chambers, 19, will benefit more from staying with National South Worthing rather than being on the fringes of a team fighting to avoid relegation from the Football League.

Worthing sit fifth in the table - two below the Gills - and Chambers has been an ever-present in Adam Hinshelwood’s side.

Chambers’ loan deal has now been extended to the end of the season but Harris said: “Josh’s future is here 100%. We are really pleased with how he is doing at Worthing.

“He has played a lot of football, we even let him play on Tuesday night in the Sussex Senior Cup against Lancing [a 4-0 win] because it is another game of men’s football for him in a cup competition, a great experience.

“His future lies with us but Adam Hinshelwood at Worthing is doing a fantastic job with him and we are thankful for that.”

Chambers has made 12 appearances for the side, becoming a key man for them in midfield. He also scored from 25 yards with a free-kick against Tonbridge Angels.

The midfielder was handed his Football League debut by Harris last season but explored his options in the summer. Tottenham handed him a trial. Since returning he couldn’t force his way back in and has been playing out on loan.

Harris remains sure they have a serious player on their hands.

“I really like Josh,” he said. “We really like him as a footballer but if he is not going to affect the pitch - not just the matchday squad - on a regular basis then he needs to play men’s football as often as possible.

“We are not going to include him in the youth team as an over-age player, his development isn’t in youth football anymore, his development is in first team football at men’s level and that is in the National South or the National League.

"He is not going to be involved with me for the rest of the season but his future likes here, that’s for sure.”