Defender Luke O’Neill shone in his first season for Gillingham and he’s confident he has more to give.

O’Neill was a free signing last summer from Southend, lured to the club with the carrot of regular football, and that’s what he got, playing 44 games for the Gills.

The defender is now looking forward to more.

“It was a brilliant season for me,” said the 26-year-old right-back.

“I played in over 40 games and that was the main thing for me, to come here to play games, and I have enjoyed every minute of it.

“The gaffer and the staff have been brilliant with me and given me that licence to go out and express myself.

“It took me a little bit of time to get out of my shell; it is hard when you go into a place where you don't know people. I was made to feel welcome and once I found my feet I think I did well, I thoroughly enjoyed it but there is a lot more to come.

“With a season under my belt now it will be easier to get up and running from the start, hopefully we will see that next season.”

O’Neill was used as a regular right-back and a wing-back throughout the season, impressing in both roles. He chipped in with several assists and three goals.

“I still want to work on my defensive side,” he said.

“I think you can always improve in every area and I want to get better going forward as well. Nobodies game is 100% and I am always looking to improve.

“The main thing for me was to be playing and I have another year on my deal so I am happy and looking forward to next season.”

O’Neill has been happy in his surroundings since moving to Priestfield.

“The boys are brilliant,” he said.

“I'm not just saying that, but it's probably one of the best groups I've been with, we are all together.

“If we play like we did in our last game (beating Plymouth 5-2 at the end of last season) we can beat anyone, we just need to make sure we turn up in games. We will have a very good chance (this season) and you never know where that could take us.”