Joe Martin is eager to repay Gillingham manager Andy Hessenthaler for bringing him back from the wilderness.

Martin was left without a club when he was released by Blackpool last summer after their promotion to the Premier League.

After missing the first half of the 2010/11 season, the 21-year-old was handed a route back into the professional game after signing on non-contract terms with the Gills in December.

He has recently won himself a starting role at left-back, at the expense of John Nutter, and he’s determined to prove his worth.

"It was difficult to see people playing and knowing I wasn’t playing myself," said Martin, as he reflected on life without a club.

"I just concentrated on keeping my fitness up and did everything I could. I just kept that belief that something would come up. It was difficult but eventually something happened.

"I am happy to have been given the chance at Gillingham and want to repay the manager."

Martin will be one of several Gillingham players chasing a new deal this summer but it’s not something he is thinking about at the moment.

He said: "I have enjoyed my time at Gillingham. It’s been brilliant and there is good support here.

"I came into the team late but just want to do my bit now until the end of the season, then we’ll see what happens. I know I have to perform."

Do you think Martin is worthy of a new deal? Have your say below.