Gillingham manager Andy Hessenthaler is challenging his young prospects to play a big part for the club next season.

The Gills may need to lean on youngsters like Luke Rooney (pictured), Stefan Payne and Jack Payne more next season after the playing budget was trimmed.

That trio of teenagers have already have plenty of first team experience but there are another seven players in next season’s squad with just one first team appearance between them.

"Money is tight but money is tight at all clubs and you have to look at the youth," said the Gills boss.

"We have young Ashley Miller stepping up to the plate now, who is going to be a first-year scholar and training every day and we have high hopes for him.

"We also have the like of Callum Davies, who has had a little look at first team football against Crewe and Connor Essam, who is now a second year pro.

"They all have a chance and it’s important that we don’t disregard these boys."

Hessenthaler has promoted Alex Brown, Jack Evans, Tom Brunt, Callum Davies and goalkeeper Daren Hawkes from the youth scholarship to the first team for next season, while Connor Essam and Dean Rance have been given another chance to impress after taking the step up last season.

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