by Luke Cawdell

Promotion is the goal for Gillingham this season and Danny Spiller has more reason than one to play a part in it.

The chance to help the Gills reach League 1 is his first priority and he hopes that would help him achieve a much-desired personal feat.

Spiller (pictured) said: "I have been here a long time and it would be a milestone contract for me if I can extend as it would be my 10th year at the club as a professional.

"It would be a massive achievement because I want to be able to say that I have been at Gillingham Football Club for that period of time. Things like that don’t happen these days often."

Spiller joined the Gills as a 16-year-old and after progressing through the youth team, he signed professional terms in 2000.

He left the Gills in 2007 but was brought back three years later by current manager Andy Hessenthaler.

"I have enjoyed every minute of it and I want to extend that for as long as possible," said the 30-year-old.

"Fingers crossed I can make it to 10 years here but right now I will put that to the back of my mind because I am here to do a job and hopefully that situation will look after itself."

Spiller is closing in on 200 appearances for the Gills but that chance this season has been ruined by an ankle injury that he picked up in September.

He returned with a substitute appearance against Barnet last month but in his second game back he was sent-off for a foul against Crewe.

He said: "That was tough to take and mentally it was very tough."