Gillingham midfielder Harry Waldock’s reaction to Swindon Town defeat and whirlwind week after making Football League debut against Cambridge United

Harry Waldock’s determined to make his mark at Gillingham after a whirlwind few days that have seen the teenager thrown into the first-team spotlight.

The 19-year-old midfielder has gone from a loan spell at Isthmian Premier side Cray Wanderers to making his league debut at Cambridge United last Saturday, and then his first home league appearance at Priestfield in the space of just a few days.

“It's been a bit of a whirlwind, really,” he said, following the 2-0 defeat against Swindon.

“I was with Cray, played my last game about three weeks ago, was in and around training [at Gillingham]. I ended up getting recalled, and they put me straight into the team on Saturday. I appreciate the Gaffer [Gareth Ainsworth] doing that for me and giving me the opportunity.

“My aim now is just to try and stay in the team and keep my standards to the highest of their ability.”

Waldock, from Herne Bay, joined the Gills at the age of 11 and has worked his way through the ranks to earn his opportunity.

His big moment came when he was told he would make his full league debut away at Cambridge – news delivered by the manager hours before the game at the team hotel.

“The Gaffer took me to the side and said, ‘I'm going to give you your full league debut’,” he said.

“He gave me all the confidence I needed to go into the game and express myself. I really appreciate the opportunity.”

It proved to be a tough introduction in a heavy defeat, but Waldock’s performance was a highlight on a bad day for the club.

“Obviously the result was very disappointing,” said the teenager

“We didn't play well as a team, but in my mind, I'm just trying to perform to the best of my abilities and try and help the team go forwards.

“The result wasn't the best, but I just