Gillingham's Rashid Yussuff in action during his full debut at Exeter. Picture: Barry Goodwin

By Luke Cawdell

Patience paid off for young midfielder Rashid Yussuff as he was finally handed his first start for the Gills on Monday – and he did not disappoint.

Yussuff signed in the summer from rivals Charlton but it has taken five months for the 20-year-old to get the chance that he was waiting for.

He replaced the suspended Curtis Weston in the side at Exeter to help the Gills earn only their second away point of the season and he’s now hoping to play a big part in the FA Cup game in Accrington.

Yussuff said: "I loved making my first start and the boys have helped me out.

"I’ve been looking forward to it and was glad I got it. I performed to the best I could and we played well.

"It’s about being patient and not being frustrated. I have just done the best I can in training and performed to the highest level every minute I’ve got on the pitch. I’m glad I got my first start and I took it well.

"The senior players were telling me that when that opportunity comes take it. They know because they have been around for a long time.

"We’ve got a great team camaraderie and I’m happy here. I just love playing football and any minutes I can get on the pitch I’ll take."