Essam and Frampton (right) have impressed in defence Pic: Barry Goodwin

by Luke Cawdell

Andy Hessenthaler hopes his blossoming central defensive partnership can be the bedrock to future success.

The Gills manager was thrilled at the performance of Andy Frampton and Connor Essam at the weekend, in the win over league leaders Swindon, and hopes to keep the pairing together.

"They complement each other really well," said Hessenthaler.

"You have the young rookie and the experienced one and the balance with the right and the left foot is there. It has looked good over the last few games and long may that continue."

Experienced summer signing Frampton was handed the captain’s arm band by Hessenthaler this season but Essam, 19, was thrown in due to an injury-crisis and hasn’t looked back.

Essam looked set for Priestfield exit door after 18 months without a first team game but since bursting onto the scene in February he has become an ever-present in Hessenthaler’s team.

The Gills boss now hopes he will stick around.

"Connor hasn’t signed a new deal yet but that’s ongoing and I am sure that will be sorted," Hessenthaler said.

"I am sure he wants to stay; we want him to stay and Frammo is here for next season as well. It is a good starting point when you have those two who are playing on a regular basis.

"They were terrific at the weekend and they will have to be putting on the same level of performance this weekend."

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