Nottingham Forest loan striker Lamin Sillah scored his first professional goal in England last weekend in Gillingham’s 4-1 win over Rochdale – The striker played for Steve Biko FC in Gambia

Gillingham boss Gareth Ainsworth says loan striker Lamin Sillah is going through a “real baptism” as he adjusts to life in English football.

The 20-year-old Gambian marked another step in his transition with his first senior goal last weekend, heading home Andy Smith’s cross in the Gills’ emphatic 4-1 win at Rochdale.

Sillah joined Gillingham on loan from Premier League side Nottingham Forest this summer and has made three League Two appearances since arriving at Priestfield.

But Ainsworth says the young forward is adapting to far more than just the demands of the English Football League.

He said: “[The goal is] brilliant for Lamin. He came at the right place at the right time. He's growing in confidence and stature in the dressing room.

“I can't even compare what he's going through. It's like one of us going to the Gambia and playing in their division, in their team, and not knowing anyone, and not knowing where they live, not really knowing the country. It's a whole different continent.

“When you put it like that and think, well, that would be pretty daunting, well, he's doing it the other way around.

“It's a real baptism for him but he's handling it really well.

“Every day he's communicating more, he's smiling more. He's just fitting in really well.

“He's been very quiet since he's been here because I think he doesn't know his place.

“He's a great guy and when you have a conversation with him, he's a real interesting person.

“Let's give him a little bit of time. He's come a long way from where he was a couple of years ago. I think that the journey he's been on is something to be proud of.”

Sillah came through Gambian football with Steve Biko FC before moving to Greece, where he played in the Under-19 Super League for