Gillingham midfielder Henry Woods is making remarkable strides this season according to manager Steve Evans.

Woods had been earmarked for a season out on loan this term, having signed a new deal in the summer, but the 21-year-old showed last Tuesday why he’s been kept with the first team squad.

Evans retained fellow former youth players Joe Walsh and Jack Tucker and has been impressed with the progress that Woods is making. Woods came off the bench for his first taste of the Football League last month and more appearances could follow if he continues his progress.

The Gills boss said: “When we came in Walsh, Tucker and Woods were all going to get released, but they are the three we kept.

“Henry was as good as anyone on the park on Tuesday night (against Arsenal under-21s in the EFL Trophy). He moved the ball well, he was bright and hungry.

“We have seen for a number of weeks in training and in various under-23 games that he has been very good and the kid continuous to improve. If you walked into training and didn’t know any names, or reputation, Henry would be very close to the team, if not in it.

“I have had a chat with him, I have said to keep your feet on the floor, keep working hard, stay humble, and when your chance comes like it did against Arsenal, then grab it and demonstrate that you want to play, but we have just seen remarkable strides.

“It’s interesting because that is what we have seen with Tucker and Walsh, with Pledge (the goalkeeper coach) working with him. We are seeing real improvements and we are seeing improvements in Trae Coyle, Connor Ogilvie, a lot of the group, that comes from how hard the players, more than anyone, are working. They are buying into the ideas and working so hard on the training ground.”

The Gills made nine changes for that Trophy match and turned in a promising showing against a strong Arsenal team. It’s given Evans plenty to think about ahead of this weekend’s game with Charlton.

He said: “Trae Coyle looked more like what we know, we see that regularly in training. Zech, after his mistake (which led to Arsenal’s early goal), was very good, MacDonald was good, it was a really good, bright performance. McKenzie improved again, in a different position, really pleased.

“Our boys did really well, they took a bit of time to get settled but there were some really solid and strong performances and that is good.

“We have a wonderful opportunity to pick it all fresh again. I have always said to them if they want to play, don’t come in my office and talk to me, just get on the training ground and produce it and make it so all the staff go, ‘we have to play him.’”

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