Gillingham caretaker boss Steve Lovell is keen to see Sean Clare stay for the remainder of the season.

Clare has been a hit since joining the Gills on loan from Sheffield Wednesday – initially until January 3.

The 21-year-old, signed by former manager Ady Pennock on transfer deadline day, has made 14 appearances for the Gills and his forward-first approach has endeared him to fans and management alike.

Lovell knows Clare well, having first coached him as a youngster in the Charlton Athletic academy.

He said: “Sean is having a good run with us and doing well.

“If Sheffield Wednesday are OK with (extending the deal) then great. We are pleased to have him here.

“He is enjoying his football and he’s a good lad, very professional and a good athlete.

“He can run, he can move, he can read the game well and has great feet. He showed that on Saturday (against Bury) and was one of our better players, consistently, in the 90 minutes.

“Sean is one of the first names down on the team sheet every week and if he keeps playing like he is doing, then that will continue to be the case.”

Clare has been deployed as an emergency right-back recently, adapting to the role well but could be moved further forward on Saturday when Gillingham travel to Walsall.

The return of Gabriel Zakuani from international duty gives Lovell an extra defender at his disposal, allowing Clare free to return into midfield.

Lovell said: “I would like to see him in midfield and this Saturday, with Gabs coming back, I might be able to do that. It just depends on which way we go.

“He can play anywhere. He is a player I could play centre-half and he could do a job. He could play up front.”

Read the full story in Thursday's Medway Messenger