Harry Waldock put his hard work on the training ground into practice as he marked his return to the Gillingham starting line-up with an instant impact.

The midfielder scored his first senior goal within three minutes of Saturday’s 2-1 victory at Shrewsbury, capping an impressive performance after being brought back into the side.

Waldock had been working on becoming stronger and more competitive in midfield as part of the club’s individual development plan – an area he had identified as something he wanted to improve.

And manager Gareth Ainsworth was delighted with the way the youngster put that work into action, standing up to the physical challenge at the Croud Meadow while also showing his quality on the ball.

Playing alongside James Brophy in midfield, behind a front two of Lamin Sillah and Ronan Hale, Waldock produced an impressive all-round display and had further opportunities to add to his goal.

The run of nine consecutive starts he had enjoyed came to an end when he was dropped to the bench for the home game against Port Vale, where he came on as a substitute.

He was then an unused substitute against Grimsby Town before being recalled as one of four changes to the starting XI at Shrewsbury.

Ainsworth had been looking for a response following the disappointing 4-1 home defeat to Grimsby, making changes to both his personnel and the team's shape.

The Gills boss was particularly pleased with Waldock's progress, explaining how the midfielder had wanted to become tougher in the heat of battle.

He said: “At Accrington, I thought he was just outrun a little bit in a bit of a battle. I spoke to him and we do things differently at Gillingham.

“[Coach] Pete Gill has got this big IDP programme of working on what we call deficiencies in the players that they want to be better at.

“I think Harry wanted to toughen up in that midfield and I thought he was sensational, really was.

“His running's always there. His running's always great and that. But I think teams will try and bully him or try and get the better of him.

“Harry stood up for himself really well and what a fantastic goal. He ended up on a couple of chances. I thought he was outstanding.”

Waldock got a round of applause from his team-mates in the changing room after the game.

And Ainsworth added: “His first league goal. He won't forget that for a while. It was a magic moment for him.”