Cumbers eyeing Gillingham start

Cumbers has made four appearances as a substitute this season

Gillingham's promising young striker Luis Cumbers is hoping to claim a regular first-team place after scoring his first senior goal on Saturday.

The 20-year-old, whose goal sealed a 4-0 win at Rotherham, has only appeared as a substitute for the Gills this season but wants a first start.

He told BBC Radio Kent: "I'm delighted to be involved around the first team.

"We've got a few senior strikers now but hopefully I can stay in the squad for the next few weeks."

Cumbers knows competition is tough, adding: "The manager (Mark Stimson) has brought in Simeon Jackson, who cost the club some money.

He's got a great turn of pace, he's someone who in his younger days nearly got into the England squad for sprinting

Mark Stimson on Luis Cumbers

"And Mark McCammon was playing Championship football last season so to be involved still is a nice feeling."

Cumbers is a product of Gillingham's youth system, having arrived at Priestfield in 2006.

He spent time on-loan at Maidstone United and Grays Athletic, before impressing manager Mark Stimson playing for the Gills reserves.

Describing his first senior goal, Cumbers said: "It was a great feeling. I'm so glad it's happened now. I've been waiting a while but that was probably the first chance I've had to score since I've been coming on."

Stimson told BBC Radio Kent he was pleased to see his young striker's determination rewarded, saying: "Luis has been patient, he's waited and waited and he got the opportunity to come on.

"He's been out to a couple of lower league clubs and done it.

"He's got a great turn of pace, he's someone who in his younger days nearly got into the England squad for sprinting so now he's fully fit he's raring to go."