Stuart Nelson produced a performance on Saturday that his hero “big Pete” would have been proud of.

The Gills No.1 picked up tips from watching former Manchester United keeper Peter Schmeichel in action and some of his saves at Bramall Lane were reminiscent of the Danish legend.

“I am just keeping the Peter Schmeichel save alive,” Nelson said, after he denied United with at least one trademark Schmeichel stop.

“His son (Kasper) does a few of those in the Premier League but a lot of young people don’t know about his (dad’s) saves.

“He was a hero of mine growing up and you do try and emulate your heroes. He was a fantastic keeper – the best ever.

“If I can take a little bit of his game then it is going to help me. I am delighted that big Pete helped me out there.”

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Nelson is now facing added competition from Czech keeper Tomas Holy but he’s confident of keeping the gloves.

He said: “I have been here four-and-a-half years. It is part and parcel.

“There is going to be competition and it doesn’t bother me because if I play like that, then nobody can touch me. When I put in those performances, there isn’t anyone better than me and that’s what I believe.

“It is on me to do my thing and I don’t look behind over my shoulder, I look forward, work hard in training and try and put performances in on the pitch. It takes care of itself then.”

Read more from Stuart Nelson in Monday's Medway Messenger newspaper