One of the brightest prospects to emerge from Gillingham's youth system, attacking midfielder Luke Rooney was the Under-18's leading scorer in 2008/09 and appeared regularly for the Reserves, finding the net on several occasions.

He forced his way into the first team squad in early December 08 and was an unused sub in the FA Cup 2nd Round replay at Stockport County, completing the season with a succesful loan spell at Blue Square Premier side Lewes and signing professional terms with the Gills in May 2009.

Luke was a revelation in pre-season scoring in the friendlies against Folkestone, Dartford, Faversham and Bishops Stortford. He made his senior debut as a second half sub in the 2-1 Carling Cup defeat of Plymouth Argyle and marked his League bow with a stunning goal in the 3-0 win over Exeter City.

Soon after he doubled his tally for the campaign with a curling strike from the right edge of the box against Southampton at St Mary's Stadium. Luke spent the latter part of the campaign on loan with Eastbourne Borough, helping the Conference side steer clear of relegation and is definitely one to watch for the future.

Luke later crowned a memorable debut season by collecting the club's Goal of the Season Award for his audacious chip against Southampton.