Gillingham defender Sam Gale is impressed by the youth coming through at the club after an impressive showing against Reading

Sam Gale has seen the next generation coming through at Gillingham and likes what he sees.

The 20-year-old defender praised the club’s young prospects after a composed showing in Saturday’s pre-season draw with Reading, highlighting their maturity, work ethic, and readiness to step up.

Gale believes the emerging group—including the “three Harrys”—have what it takes to become key players at Priestfield - something he’s looking to do himself after a fine second half to the season last time around.

“Those boys showed what they can do,” said Gale.

“It’s up to everyone around them to keep helping them develop and stick with them because they'll be big players for this football club..

“They showed they're mature enough to be put in these situations and be trusted.”

Gale found his way into the Gills team midway through last season and hasn’t looked back.

With several senior players nursing injuries in the early weeks of pre-season, manager Gareth Ainsworth has been taking a look at the youth within the club.

Striker Harry Bridle and midfielder Harry Waldock have just signed pro deals and they’ve been involved in the opening two pre-season games, along with right-back Harry Webster. Injury has kept Logan Dobbs sidelined.

Youth players Cruz Beszant, Michael Luxton and Louie Dayal have also been involved, along with young professional Damien Theodore, who has impressed on the right of Gillingham’s attack. He signed from Burgess Hill Town in February.

Gale said: “When I was finishing off youth team football, the three Harrys were coming to the fore of it. I've seen them for a few years now.

“It's a big gap from that 18 to 20 age. I think I felt it when I was first 18. I remember playing against Millwall two years ago out there (in