Competition for places will bring the best out of this Gillingham squad, according to midfielder Danny Spiller.

The 29-year-old, who played 33 games last season for the Gills, faces a battle to win a starting place against Cheltenham on Saturday.

But Spiller (pictured) believes the likes of Lewis Montrose, Chris Whelpdale and Charlie Lee moving to Priestfield during the summer can only help the club’s promotion bid.

"We’ve got eight or nine experienced midfielders now so that will keep us all on our toes," said Spiller.

"We all play better when there is competition for places in the team.

"The gaffer has brought in some great players, we saw what Chris Whelpdale and Charlie Lee can do last season.

"I’m keeping my fingers crossed that I’ve done enough to secure a place in the starting XI."

Spiller revealed that he had another operation on his damaged finger during the close season but stressed that any chance of losing it permanently appears to have faded.

"Once I’m out on the pitch I feel quite safe when it’s strapped up," he said. "It’s more of a problem when I’m at home doing every day stuff."

*Read more from Danny Spiller in this week's Medway Messenger newspaper.

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