Cheye Alexander is determined to end the season on a high and with a contract sorted for next season, can’t wait for it all to start again.

The defender is sure Gillingham will be challenging for promotion next season.

Speaking ahead of their home game with Newport County on Saturday, he said: “We have had a great back end of the season, we want to continue that and continue into next year. It is another game to get three points and keep that momentum going.

“Hopefully it will be a full house here and we can go out and put in a great performance and finish the season off here in a good manner.

“The feeling around the camp is amazing.

“I am definitely here next year, the contract has been triggered so I am looking forward to getting going again next year.

“I earned the shirt and I have stayed in the team with my personal performances and also the team performances. I knew if I carried on doing that then the games would rack up and I would trigger my contract. As soon as that game happened and I got home, there was time for celebration because I am here again next year.

“The club is going in the right direction and it’s going to be a huge year next year, it’s going to be massive.

“We are off for six weeks, that flies by, so we will be back in to get back to work. Everyone is looking forward to next year, it will be good to get a break, rest the legs, then get back in and start how we finished.

“Nothing is easy but we have shown we can do it and we have to go out there and do it again.”

The Gills beat league leaders Leyton Orient last time out at Priestfield and it was Alexander’s penalty that sealed the points in a 2-0 win. It was then his corner on Saturday that led to the late equaliser against Bradford.

He’s enjoying being in the thick of it and showing what he can do.

He said: “I knew that if I got a run in the team I know what I can do on the pitch and I know my ability. I work hard every day and I knew when I got the chance I would take it.

“You have to take the opportunity, thankfully I took it, other players have taken it since January.

“The whole team have benefited from the new signings coming in, it has ramped up everyone and everyone has put in great performances and it is difficult for the gaffer to pick the team.”