by Luke Cawdell

Luke Rooney capped his first start for Gillingham with a stunning goal against Southampton on Saturday - and manager Mark Stimson admitted that even he lost his cool.

"I don’t usually celebrate goals although inside I’m buzzing but that time I had to run on the pitch," said Stimson.

"The kid’s goal was exceptional and I got carried away. I do believe that when you do get carried away it comes back to bite you and it bit me."

The Gills failed to build on Rooney’s 27th-minute equaliser, eventually losing 4-1, but Stimson was given another indication that 18-year-old Rooney is more than capable of making an impact at this level.

Rooney (pictured) scored on his league debut from the substitutes’ bench against Exeter at the start of September.

Stimson said: "The kid has come into the building as a professional and been outstanding.

"He has fantastic ability with the ball and like most youngsters he has a great desire to do something and that’s not always with the ball."