Gillingham boss Steve Lovell is predicting a big future in the game for two of his young prospects.

Midfielder Darren Oldaker, 19, has won himself a place in Lovell’s starting line-up and 21-year-old forward Elliott List has started to rediscover his best form.

The pair starred in a 2-1 win for the Gills at Bristol Rovers on Tuesday night.

“They are two young lads who have a bright future in the game,” said Lovell.

“We played Elliott in that little role (behind the two strikers), which I think suits him and he did a magnificent job. He scored a good goal, he is a goalscorer and he is a talent, as is DJ. They showed it.

“It was great for Elliott to get a goal, he has deserved it, for the effort and the work-rate that he has put in.”

List’s goal came after just eight minutes, firing in low from the edge of the box.

Oldaker started his fourth league game of the season, playing just infront of the back four.

“I thought DJ was outstanding,” Lovell said.

“He’s a young boy and some of the passes he knocks around, it is like a stroll in the park for him.

“He was excellent, knackered at the end ut we have talked about his work rate and what he needs to do off the ball and he got that off to a tee now. He is a good prospect.”

List has shown his best form off the bench previously but started Tuesday’s game well, scoring the opener after just eight minutes.

Lovell knows the youngster is more than just an impact substitute.

He said: “We need to get him starting and see what he can do. He had a decent game on Saturday (against Luton) and on Tuesday he was excellent, causing problems. He can run at people, he has pace, he can finish.

“We don’t want him to be labelled as an impact player, we want him to be starting. If he continues to play like that, then he will start every week.”

List was one of those that Lovell had words with several weeks ago. Josh Parker was another and he started his first league game in over a month.

“Josh Parker was back to Josh Parker,” Lovell said.

“Sometimes a kick up the behind does people the power of good. I thought he was excellent, that is a plus for everyone, for him, us and the team.

“We want people like that to be performing.”