Gillingham winger Jayden Clarke scored two goals against Dartford and has renewed optimism with Mark Bonner in charge of the League 2 side

Jayden Clarke has revealed how training with new team-mate Aaron Rowe over the summer has helped give him an extra edge in pre-season.

Clarke ended last season with little to smile about after being restricted to appearances off the bench at best but a change of manager has seen him start afresh. He’s looked impressive in pre-season and two goals on Tuesday night – in a 4-0 win over Dartford - showed that hard work is paying off.

Helping him prepare for the new season was newcomer Rowe - who joined from Crewe - a player who is challenging him for the left-wing position in the team.

Clarke said: “We play in the same position but we both want the best for each other, we are both young boys trying to get further in our careers and we want to push each other in the best way possible.

“He’s a good friend and I always want him to do well when he is on the pitch and I think he wants me to do well. It is all good.

“I knew who he was (before he joined) and I was working with him in the summer after he signed with us. I was doing some work with him outside of Gillingham, building a connection there.

“We had a mix of sessions, football sessions to get the feet going again and did a lot of track running, hill running, we were pushing each other and I think we are both in a good place now.

“Second half of last year I didn’t play too much so I felt like I needed to get a head start.

“I went on holiday with my family and had a good time but came back a little earlier to put in some extra work and get myself in a better place, which I needed, and I feel a lot better now for it. I am happy.

“I feel good, I feel like I am in a better place physically and mentally. I am looking forward to starting the season and hopefully I can have a