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Gillingham's Callum Reilly targets more goals as midfielder bids to end stop-start campaign on a high

Gillingham midfielder Callum Reilly is looking to finish an injury-hit season with a flourish.

Reilly has played the last four games after a stop-start campaign, helping the Gills pick up seven points out of 12.

He’s playing well and hopes to add to his five goals as Steve Lovell’s side close in on League 1 safety.

Callum Reilly celebrates scoring from the spot against Burton Albion with Luke O'Neill Picture: Ady Kerry
Callum Reilly celebrates scoring from the spot against Burton Albion with Luke O'Neill Picture: Ady Kerry

Reilly said: “I’ve been delighted to be back in and finishing the 90 minutes. I’m feeling fit and feeling like I’m contributing to the team in terms of defensively and attacking-wise.

“All I’m missing now is just getting back on the scoresheet, which is what I’ll be aiming to do.

“I showed at the start of the year I’ve got the potential to do that. I got five up until January and then had a bit of an injury and missed a few games.

“I’ve got a couple of assists and managed to play a part in the team doing well.

“From a personal point of view I’d like to get back on the scoresheet and have more shots on goal. That would be brilliant for me but the main thing is to be picking up the points.

“Hopefully I’ve managed to overcome the niggles because they have been hampering me this season a little bit at different parts. But I’m feeling good now, I’m feeling very fit and my energy levels are really high.

"I’m motivated to finish the season well for me and the team.”

Gillingham moved to within three points of Lovell’s 50-point target with their 4-2 victory at AFC Wimbledon last weekend.

The Dons had won three in a row and took the lead at Kingsmeadow but Gills hit back in style.

The plan is to kick on when bottom-four club Rochdale visit Priestfield this Saturday.

Reilly said: “I know the manager’s spoken about trying to get to 50 points but from the dressing room we’ve just looked at each game and each performance and wanted to take it into the next weekend.

“Fortunately enough, especially second half, we managed to show what we can do when we come together as a team and play with a bit of confidence.

“All we can look at now is doing that again against Rochdale on Saturday.

“The first half was obviously a difficult one. It was hard. We knew we were going to have to stay in the game first half against a team who were full of confidence, a young team as well, and they expected to beat us on the day.

“We fully expected them to come for us and they did first half. It was unfortunate we conceded the goal but we showed great character bouncing back before half-time and second half we took control and stamped our authority on the game.

Callum Reilly jumps with former Gill Scott Wagstaff in the win at AFC Wimbledon last weekend Picture: Ady Kerry
Callum Reilly jumps with former Gill Scott Wagstaff in the win at AFC Wimbledon last weekend Picture: Ady Kerry

“We always try to put things into perspective as a team and look at results.

“Looking at last week at Luton, that draw really galvanised the squad and the team and gave us belief in what we can actually achieve.

“And then you look at this weekend just gone, they’ve gone and beaten Doncaster 4-0 at home, who are a very good team themselves in this division.

“So our result down there was obviously good. We were happy with it and on another day we could have won.

“All it is now is trying to string a run together and finish the season on a high.

“We’ve come together as a team and managed to be more consistent.

“We’re still striving to improve more and make sure we do it on a weekly basis and hopefully try to improve our form at home, which we’re looking to do this weekend.

“I know Rochdale won last weekend and they’re a team who are fighting for their lives in that big bunch trying to get out of it.

“At the moment we’re in a strong position, we’ve put ourselves there after the win on Saturday and we want to stay there.”

Callum Reilly in action against Rochdale at Spotland earlier this season. He will be hoping to get a chance to avenge Gills' 3-0 defeat when the sides meet this weekend Picture: Ady Kerry
Callum Reilly in action against Rochdale at Spotland earlier this season. He will be hoping to get a chance to avenge Gills' 3-0 defeat when the sides meet this weekend Picture: Ady Kerry
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