Big defender Ben Nugent isn’t pretending to be anything he’s not.

While the modern-day centre-half likes to play a bit, or likes to think they can, Nugent is only interested in one thing.

He said: “I’m a defender, that’s it. You can’t score from row Z and that’s my motto.

“For a centre-half, it’s more about concentration rather than lung-busting runs. It is about doing my defending and organising.”

Nugent made his first Gills start on Tuesday night, picking up the sponsor’s man-of-the-match in the 2-1 Checkatrade Trophy win over Southend.

“It was brilliant,” said the former Crewe man. “It was nice being back in the starting XI.

“It’s the first 90 minutes I have had for about five months and it was good to be back among it.”

The new man has settled in well at Gillingham but admits he’s not Mr Popular on the training ground. He likes to train how he plays.

He said: “I feel like it keeps me sharp. I am not one to go through the motions.I don’t think I am making friends but it is all fun and games. It is what I am about.

“I won’t ever go in to hurt anyone but if the ball is there to be won, then I will do my best.”

Ninety minutes on Tuesday night will be an ideal preparation for the weekend, as he looks set to fill the gap left by Gabriel Zakuani, who is on international duty.

“I need to get the lungs going again,” added Nugent. “I’m still getting used to it but it’s nice to get 90 minutes. I’ll be good for it. I caught my second wind and felt better as the game went on.

“I feel fit and the more games you get, the more confident you get. Fingers crossed, I can string a few games together and get stronger and stronger."