Gillingham boss Justin Edinburgh is hoping young Tom Hadler can be the man to challenge keeper Stuart Nelson next season.

Former England schoolboy international Hadler, 19, has been offered a deal at the Gills with the lure of challenging for first-team football.

He, along with Nelson, are both yet to commit but the Gills are confident the pair will be competing for a place in the side during the 2016/17 campaign.

Edinburgh said: “He is a really good keeper and capable of stepping up to that role as a No.2.

“He has certainly improved this season, no doubt. He has all the attributes.”

Hadler has yet to taste first-team action, playing the role as back-up to Nelson and Glenn Morris during the past season and having to go out on loan to gain experience in the men’s game.

Morris was released at the end of last season and has since joined League 2 Crawley, opening the door for Hadler to impress.

Edinburgh added: “He hasn’t got the experience but that comes with playing or getting an opportunity. I feel he is ready to push Stuart for that position."