Gillingham’s midweek star man Olly Lee is relishing the chance to perform on the big stage this weekend.

Lee scored two goals and claimed an assist as they beat Crewe 4-1 at Priestfield on Tuesday night. Next up for the Gills is a trip to Sunderland’s Stadium of Light.

He was credited with a goal at the SOL last season in an FA Cup match - albeit with the aid of a huge goalkeeping fumble - and also helped the team to a 2-2 at the end of the curtailed 2019/20 campaign. He’s full of confidence ahead of another trip north.

“It is a great challenge,” he said.

“It’s a proper club, they were a Premier League side not too long ago and they have some good players. We look forward to these challenges.

“For me, personally, I like playing what are considered the best teams in the league because it is a chance to show how good I am as well. A lot of players in the dressing room will like that stage to perform on to prove that they are potentially better than their players.

“We did brilliantly there last season and in the three games we played against them last year they didn’t beat us. We know we can go there and put on a good show.

“On their day they are probably the best side in the league but we know that people don’t want to play us and we look forward to the challenge.”

Lee’s return to the Gills has coincided with an upturn in results. His three appearances have seen the team pick up seven points from a possible nine.

It’s fun to be back said the 29-year-old, now in his third loan spell with the club.

He commented: “It is no different here (to the last time) it is always good fun, always entertaining here.

“I just like being out on the football pitch. The three games have all been different but it is nice to be back out on there again.

“We do miss the fans, Priestfield would have been rocking (on Tuesday night), but it is what it is and I am just enjoying my football at the moment.

“We are at it, we are doing things right and as long as we keep doing thing together and on the front foot and pushing each other then who knows what can happen?”

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