Stuart Nelson says the reception he got when he came off the bench at White Hart Lane made him feel better than winning the league.

The keeper has made more than 160 appearances for Gills over the past four years but has fallen out of favour of late with Jonathan Bond preferred since his arrival on loan from Reading at the end of August.

Bond, however, suffered a groin injury early on in the EFL Cup third round tie at Tottenham, allowing 35-year-old Nelson to appear from the bench to a rapturous welcome from the travelling faithful.

Nelson claimed the fans’ reception was the highlight of a night on which he was beaten five times.

He said: “It was unbelievable. That ovation is something I’ll never forget. It’s probably the best feeling I’ve had in a Gillingham shirt and I’ve won league titles.

“When you’re not in the team, you’re easily forgotten and the support I have had has been great. When I ran out on that pitch, the hairs on the back of my neck stood up. You can’t dream those things. I appreciate everything from the fans.”

Nelson has been replaced as No.1 by Bond for the past four League 1 games as well as the tie in north London and revealed: “I was disappointed not to play as I always am but especially this one, the last season at White Hart Lane. I’ve pretty much been to all the grounds in the country but I’ve never been here before.

“I’m delighted to get back on the pitch. The past few weeks have been difficult for me personally – I’ve been a big part of this club for the past four years, constantly playing, so when you’re not, it does hurt.

“I haven’t dropped my head, I’ve kept working hard and been prepared for whenever that chance might come. I was ready for it when it did happen and I think I showed what I
can do.”

Read the full interview in this week's Medway Messenger