Gillingham keeper Alan Julian pays tribute to rival Simon Royce
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by Luke Cawdell
Alan Julian has paid tribute to fellow Gills keeper Simon Royce
as he continues to keep the more experienced man on the
sidelines.
Julian (pictured) has played the last 16 games for
Gillingham and has been given plenty of encouragement from Royce,
despite keeping the veteran goalie out of the side.
"He’s been great and given me advice here and there," said
Julian, who turned 27 on Thursday.
"He’s played at the top level and some day I hope I will be
playing there too. I’ve just got to keep working hard and doing my
best. He’s really helped and I’m thankful to him.
"He gives advice when he thinks I need it and he’s not just on
at me all of the time. At Carlisle he pulled me aside at half-time
to give me some advice and it’s really nice to have that. He has
definitely helped me."
Julian, who is contracted to Gills until next summer, had his
name circulated to other clubs in November after losing the battle
for the number one spot with Royce.
But when Royce was injured in a car crash before Christmas, that
let the former Stevenage keeper back in and he’s kept the number
one shirt on merit ever since.
Before his current run in the side Julian had been restricted to
just eight league appearances since signing in the summer of
2008.
Julian said: "Unfortunately I got in when he got injured rather
than through earning my place but I think my form has been good.
You know you need to be on top of your game and you can’t afford to
relax.
"I never wanted to leave the club – I just wanted to play
football. I’m really happy at the moment and I just hope I can stay
in the team.
"I’ve been pleased with my form and I said that after five, six
or seven games I would be more like myself and now I’m more
confident and enjoying myself. This is me now.
"I needed a run in the team and fingers crossed I can get myself
into the Northern Ireland side (as well). I’ll just concentrate on
my form and who knows what could happen."
Thursday, March 11 2010
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