GILLINGHAM manager Mark Stimson has called on captain Andrew Crofts to claim “super-hero” status and help lift the club away from danger.

Crofts scored Gills’ only goal in the 2-1 defeat at Doncaster and Stimson is keen to see his captain lead by example.

Stimson said: “He’s lightened up over the last couple of weeks and I’ve said to him 'You shouldn’t fear anyone. You’re an international player, you’ve got goals in your locker and fantastic fitness levels.'

“For the next 10 games I’ve told him to just go for it. Be the player to get this club out. I said 'At the minute you’re a hero, but if you can be the one to make it happen then you can become a super hero and they’ll be thinking about putting statues around for you.'”

Stimson admits Crofts may lack the experience expected of a captain but is sure the arrival of players like Kevin Maher will help him.

“Is he what I would call a proper captain? I would probably say not yet. He will be but not yet.

"He’s been given a responsibility and he gets on with it. Having someone like Kevin Maher, who I would call a proper captain with his age and what he’s been through in his career, he’ll only learn from Kevin.”