Gillingham have secured promising young midfielder Darren Oldaker on a longer-term deal.

Oldaker's current deal was due to expire this summer but the 20-year-old has committed his future to the Gills by signing a deal until the summer of 2021.

His new deal comes despite being overlooked of late and the player knows he has much to do.

“I need to cement a place in the team," he said.

"I’ve worked hard every day in training and hopefully I’m back in the team soon.”

Oldaker, known as DJ to his friends and team-mates, has made 12 appearances this season and scored the winning goal at Slough in the FA Cup second round.

It was a purple spell for the youngster under boss Steve Lovell, who had not used him at the start of the season.

Lovell said: “I’m delighted that DJ (Oldaker) has decided to stay on board and continue his progress at Priestfield.

"We enjoy working with him, he’s a good player and I am sure he will go from strength to strength. “

Speaking to the club's website, chairman Paul Scally added: “Over the past year DJ has grown in stature both on and off the field, and indeed continues to do so.

“He is a testament to the quality of our youth development department who have produced many players over the years."