Gillingham fans will be looking forward to seeing a lot more of young forward Luke Rooney after an impressive week with the senior side.

The first-year professional completed a scholarship with the Gills last season and he’s now thriving in the man’s world after being handed a one-year deal.

"It’s brilliant to be a professional and I’m enjoying every minute of it," said the 18-year-old. "The gaffer said to me when I signed the contract that it’s a man’s world now so there are no excuses. It’s all up to me and there is nobody to lay the blame on."

Rooney (pictured) has caught the eye with goals in three of Gillingham’s pre-season matches.

"I love scoring," he said. "I’ve always been a goalscorer and to come into the first team and score in three consecutive games was brilliant.

"I used to be a striker but I’ve dropped back a bit and the gaffer likes me wide right. It’s somewhere I’ve never played before, but I’ve really enjoyed it.

As a youngster Rooney started at West Ham. He then joined Charlton for several years, before moving to Crystal Palace and then finally agreeing to join Gillingham’s youth programme.

Rooney was a regular scorer for Gillingham’s under-18 side last season and Stimson rewarded him with a Christmas present to remember.

"It was my dream to become a footballer and I was told just before Christmas that I was to be offered a deal," he said.

"A lot of credit goes to Mark Patterson, the youth team manager, as he taught me a lot."