Stimson issues challenge to youth

[Chase]

Gillingham boss Mark Stimson has challenged the club's young players to come to the fore next season and force a way into the first-team.

Stimson is keen for as many youngsters as possible to progress through the ranks and was responsible for giving striker Luke Freeman the platform to showcase his talent last season.

Freeman turned in a string of eye-catching performances before being snapped up by Arsenal for an undisclosed fee and Stimson now wants the next generation to emerge.

"The youth are massively important at any club," Stimson told Kent Online.

"At our level, if you get a couple in every year then that's a great return.

"I've told the young players that if they think they can play better in a position than what I've already got, then they can try and prove that to me. If they prove it, then they can play."