Gillingham forward Jordan Green relishing opportunity back in the Football League, speaking after eye-catching performance against Crystal Palace

Jordan Green was working night shifts in Waitrose a few years ago - about the same time as Wilfried Saha was making a £15m move from Manchester United to Crystal Palace.

On Tuesday night the two men faced each other. Ivorian international Zaha fouled Gills’ free transfer summer signing several times before roles were reversed late in the game as Green gave away a penalty.

It was an intriguing battle. Zaha oozed Premier League class while Green showed levels don’t matter, taking on the Palace defence to create two goals for the Gills.

It’s that no fear approach that is getting fans excited about the summer addition who has been one of the most talked about of Gillingham’s 11 new recruits.

“I am quite confident generally,” said the 27-year-old. “I don’t really fear anyone, I believe in my ability, I trust myself, I back myself all the time and I always give it my all. It could have been anyone, I would have played the same.”

Green has experienced a rollercoaster football journey, starting out in the Fulham academy before being released, spending two years in college and another couple stacking supermarket shelves while playing non-league football.

He got a break with a trial at Premier League Bournemouth and earned himself a contract, heading for Newport and Leyton Orient for loan spells. A year and a half at Yeovil was followed by a move to Barnsley, for an undisclosed fee. Newport loaned him again and he also played for a bit at Southend before his contract at the Oakwell club was terminated by mutual consent.

Green went back to play with his mates, with Sunday football at the SE Dons - where he had Greenaldo printed on the back of his shirt - and last season stepping back up to play on Saturdays with National South