Peter Taylor believes Gills skipper Doug Loft is starting to produce the top level performances he was hoping for.

And the timing couldn’t be any better as Loft comes up against his former club Port Vale on Saturday.

Boss Taylor persuaded Loft to put an end to a successful spell in the Potteries and return to his home county of Kent.

Taylor said: “I am pleased with Doug and he is now starting to show everybody why we signed him. He is starting to look like a very good footballer.

“If he has got a fault it is because he is trying too hard and if that’s his fault, then it’s no terrible thing.

“What a good player we have got. I am delighted with him.”

Loft played close to 200 games for the Valiants and, as skipper, he helped Vale achieve promotion to League 1 in 2013 and then finish a comfortable ninth last season.

“He should get a good welcome from their supporters and hopefully they understood why he is now here," said Taylor.

Vale boss Rob Page knows what to expect this weekend.

He said: “All the Vale fans know what Lofty is all about. He has energy and enthusiasm for the game.

“He will give you that defensive shape but will bomb forward at every given opportunity as
well. We have to be ready for him because he is a warrior.”