Gillingham midfielder Harry Waldock’s reaction to their 3-0 win over Bristol Rovers at Priestfield and the reaction towards him from the fans

Harry Waldock admits hearing Gillingham fans sing his name was an “amazing feeling” after his man-of-the-match performance against Bristol Rovers.

The 19-year-old academy graduate played a starring role as the Gills swept aside Bristol Rovers 3-0 at Priestfield on Saturday.

Waldock has grabbed his chance in the first team this season, with injuries elsewhere in the squad opening the door for the youngster.

He has now started Gillingham’s last five League 2 games – and the fans have been loving his all-action performances.

The young midfielder left the pitch after being replaced late on to chants of, “Harry Waldock, he’s one of our own.”

For a player who joined the club aged 11 and used to attend games as a ball-boy, it was a moment he found hard to describe.

“It was an amazing feeling for me,” he said. “I don’t think you can describe how it feels really. You feel so many emotions – pride, happiness.

“I would sit there as an 11-year-old, a ball-boy in games, and even last year, seeing Sam Gale get the success he did, just pride is the overwhelming feeling, really.”

Waldock has earned his opportunity through a combination of hard work and perseverance – something he says was drilled into him by his dad from a young age.

“He always said you can have a bad game on the ball, but you can never have a bad game off the ball,” said Waldock.

“If you work hard, press players, make runs in behind, keep on making runs, you’re going to end up always having a consistent game.

“So that’s what I bring every game, no matter what we’re in.”

The midfielder has also been willing to put in the miles for the cause, revealing he averages around 11-12km per game.

“I love the hard graft of the game,” he said.

“Everyone knows the quality we have