Jake Hessenthaler believes everyone in the team has moved up a gear.

The Gills are unbeaten in four and are vying for a place in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy area final.

And despite the club’s lowly place in League 1, Hessenthaler feels the team are heading in the right direction.

“In recent weeks I have been happy with my form,” said the 20-year-old. “I have hit the potential where I feel I should be. I was consistent before but knew I could do more.

“Recently, everyone has stepped up their game, not just me. And it’s credit to show we can bounce back in games. If you are on an unbeaten streak you are going to get confidence from that."

The Johnstone’s Paint Trophy remains secondary to the league but Hessenthaler is keen to do well in the competition.

He said: “You have to be excited about it if there is a Wembley final at the end of it. The further you go, the more excited you get about it.

“A lot of our players haven’t been to Wembley before. I haven’t played at Wembley – I would love to, it doesn’t matter what competition it is. You might not get that chance again.

“If you get that chance, you have to take it seriously.”