Gillingham striker Elliott Nevitt scored on Saturday after 90 seconds against Salford City and manager Gareth Ainsworth is confident his goals will flow

Gillingham manager Gareth Ainsworth has big expectations of striker Elliott Nevitt.

Nevitt’s had plenty of game-time this season but hasn’t got anywhere near the tally of goals he managed when he helped take Crewe to the League 2 play-offs last season.

Eighteen goals for the Alex convinced the Gills that he was the man they needed for their own promotion push this season, but not a lot’s gone to plan at Priestfield this term.

Ainsworth’s taken over as manager to try and make the dream a reality, with a fresh assault on the league next season, and he’s confident he can get the best out of Nevitt, who scored after just 90 seconds on Saturday.

The Gills boss said: “We've got to feel for all the players, not just Elliott, because it’s been three managers in a season, three different ways of playing.

“It's a lot of change and these players need consistency. I'm a big believer in a consistent environment. They know what they're getting, they can work on stuff. He's probably had to work on three different styles of play. It’s been tough for him.

“I'm expecting Elliott to be prolific, like he always is at other clubs, and that'll take time. But when he hits it, he'll hit it well.

“He's a good lad. A great work rate and ethic. You could see him squaring up to a few of their players (at Salford) and getting involved. He's a winner and I want winners in my team.”

Nevitt’s deflected finish on Saturday was his fourth goal this season in 32 appearances.

Ainsworth said: “We talked about (goalscoring) in the morning (before the game) a little bit, just over breakfast. I said to Elliott, ‘get some goals into your game, because I know you can do it’.

“It was a great bit of individual skill (for the goal) and it was going in the far