Alfie Jones admits he never expected to be playing midfield this season but has revelled in the role.

The Southampton loanee was labelled as a centre-back when he first arrived at Priestfield but has instead played the defensive midfield role during his time at the club.

It may have been unexpected, but the 22-year-old has enjoyed every minute.

He said: “I didn’t expect to be playing there. I came as a centre-half but I have always had that centre-mid spot in my background though, I have been in and out of it before.

“I didn’t expect to play there as much as I have but I am enjoying it in there.

“I’m getting game time and experience, which is what I need, it is massive.

“It has been good here, there have been a few ups and downs, moving into centre-mid has been good for me, getting game time and experience has been beneficial for me and on the whole it has been a massive positive for my career.

“I can’t thank the manager and the club enough for bringing me in and playing me.”

There is plenty of competition for that role, despite the limited size of the Gills squad. Ouss Cisse has gone out on loan to get games and Matty Willock is yet to hold down a regular spot.

Regan Charles-Cook, Ben Pringle and Olly Lee are all more attack-minded but fellow Southampton loanee Tom O’Connor is one player who is chasing his shirt.

Ahead of the Covid-19 pandemic enforced break, Jones had got in ahead of O’Connor after overcoming a slight injury.

“There is a bit of competitiveness in the squad and it’s good to have,” said Jones.

“You have to fight for your shirt and fight for your place, which is always a positive.

“Tom is a great lad and a great player and it is healthy competition. I have obviously played with him there before back in the 23s at Southampton. I know what he is capable of and we will work together.”

Jones missed three fixtures because of injury but has started the last three games.

He said: “Playing week in and week out and then having a little niggle that sets you back for a couple of weeks was frustrating, but touch wood it has all gone now.

“I worked with the physio to help me out and got back on the pitch as quickly as possible. I am happy to be back in the team and fighting for my shirt.”

Jones was speaking to the media on Friday morning, just before the EFL announced a suspension of the league.

Speaking about life inside the camp of late, Jones added: “Health and safety of everyone comes first. It’s about hygiene and not shaking hands.

“We have the gels and drink out of our own water bottles and we’re just trying to keep on top of it, not really touching or mixing with other people. Little things just to try and keep on top of it.

“There is a bit of concern about the health and safety of everyone, but as professionals we have to stay focussed and if we take care of ourselves personally, then hopefully there is nothing to worry about.”

Assuming the league does re-commence, the Gills are still in with a shout of the League 1 play-offs.

“All the games are must-win now if we do want to make it,” added Jones.

“We want to keep the pressure on the teams above us. We are still in and around it, within touching distance, it keeps that fire in your belly alive.

“There will be tough games but we can be feared and we have shown that, we need to keep the right mentality and attitude and go for it.

“We still have a chance and will fight for that chance until it is mathematically impossible.

“We have to stay mentally switched on and ready to go at any time.”

Asked about the possibility of playing behind closed doors, Jones wasn’t keen.

He said: “There would not be the atmosphere or the buzz. The fans have been unbelievable, especially the Rainham End sucking balls into the net in the final few minutes. It would be tough and we would miss the fans.”