Jack Payne returns to Priestfield as captain of high-flying Peterborough on Tuesday night.

The young midfielder came through the ranks at Gillingham alongside Callum Davies.

Now the two players will clash on opposing teams when Peterborough visit Gillingham for a League 1 clash and Davies is relishing the visit of a long-term friend.

“I am looking forward to seeing Jack Payne again at Priestfield,” he said.

“I still talk to Jack. I was in the under-16 youth team with him and we went all the way through. Connor Essam (who was in the same Gills youth team and now plays for Dover) is godfather to his son. I see them both quite a bit.

“Jack text me in pre-season saying that their gaffer wanted him to be captain but I wasn’t sure the armband would fit because he has been working so hard on his biceps!”

Payne was sold to Peterborough last year for an undisclosed fee, after a loan spell at London Road, and signed a four-year deal at the club. His career at The Posh has blossomed since taking over the captaincy.

“He will make a great captain,” said Davies. “He is a great player but hopefully we can upset him on Tuesday night.”

Davies wore the Gills captain’s armband himself in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy match at Stevenage recently.

“That was a great experience,” he said.

“I have to thank the manager and the staff for letting me have that opportunity.”

The Gills are up against a Peterborough side sitting second in the league. A goalless draw with Notts County saw Bristol City take their place at the top of League 1 on Saturday.

“They have got a young squad as well but hopefully we can give them a good game and take all the points,” said Davies.

“Our home form has been brilliant and our away form not so great but we got a point on the board on Saturday and hopefully we can kick on now.”