With Simon Royce keeping a tight hold on the keeper's jersey Alan Julian has had to wait patiently for his chance in the side but since returning against Huddersfield two weeks ago the shot stopper is making the most of his opportunity, "I did well and I was happy with the way I played because I haven't played for a while.

"To come back in a game like that against the team with the second strongest home form in the league was good. We didn't get the win but personally I thought I'd done well so that gave me a bit of confidence.

"Against Stockport we needed the three points and our home form is fantastic so we always fancy ourselves when we play at home. I just want to play football, that's all I want to do. Out there playing is where I'm happiest, so it's good."

Julian's chance came after Royce was ruled out for a month following a car accident and the keeper jokes that some of his team mates have pointed the finger of blame at him, "I was getting accused of running him over. They were saying, we saw a silver BMW with your registration plate.

"No one wants to see people get injured, I'd rather earn my place and get it on merit but it gives me an opportunity so who knows. Our relationship is spot on though. It's a professional thing and we both want to play and that's the way it is. We get on fine, I think we're really good mates and I think that's nice."

Prior to Royce's injury Julian had been placed on the transfer list at his own request and revealed the reasons behind his decision. "I do work hard on the training ground and I love playing football, that's all I want to do. That was my reason for being on the transfer list.

"It was getting frustrating sitting on the bench but I think I've done well in the last two games and hopefully I can carry that on. Hopefully Northern Ireland might start watching and I can get back into that squad, but who knows, one step at a time.

"It's a fantastic club, you know, when I first arrived here, walking through the doors it strikes you. This is the biggest club I've ever been at. The opportunity that the Gaffer has given me to be here is brilliant but I've got to go and do it now."

Julian started the season as first choice for the Gills but lost his place after a handful of starts and the shot stopper believes he has learned from that experience, "As a goalkeeper I do think you need six or seven games to find your feet a little bit.

"At the start of the season I played four games and lost my place. That's fine but I know I'm in the team now and it's a nice feeling knowing that I don't have to feel under pressure for my place. I feel different this time round.

"At the start of the season I felt under pressure but I've learnt from that and maybe I'm a stronger person but I do feel ready now. You may laugh but in a funny sort of way I think that what happened at the start of the season has helped me. It's made me approach things a little differently and helped me as a person.

"It's a psychological point of view really; you shouldn't worry about things that can't affect you. I think I had a lot of doubts in my head going into the season but they're gone now. I don't think about them and I'm a little bit stronger mentally to deal with things.

"You're going out there to play football that's all it is. There is a lot of pressure but sometimes you've got to go and play football and enjoy it. Obviously you want to win but it's a game of football at the end of the day so have fun.