On-loan Southampton midfielder happy to record three points, and clean sheet, on first Gills outing.
Callum Slattery signed a loan contract until the end of the season at MEMS Priestfield Stadium on Thursday and became the third Saint at the Gills.
The 21-year-old followed fellow Southampton youth academy midfielders Tom O’Connor and Tyreke Johnson to ME7 and the familiar faces helped Slattery instantly feel at home. Unfazed at being thrown in at the deep end, he made an immediate impact on his debut.
The in-demand youngster barely had time to meet his other new teammates before he was lining up with them against high-flying Accrington, where the Gills put in one of their finest displays of the season to secure a hard-fought 1-0 victory.
Speaking to the club's official website, Slattery said: “It was a perfect start. Exactly what I wanted for myself and the team. It was great to get the win and the three points. Hopefully we can continue and kick on.
“The lads have been great, the Gaffer has been great and it’s good to be settled. I’m getting to know the lads and our style of play.
“I’ve played with Tom and Tyreke for a few years now so I know how they play. They are good lads and will help me settle in.”
Slattery began his career in the Chelsea youth setup, has gained valuable experience abroad for Dutch club De Graaschap and has even tasted victory with the Three Lions, winning the 2017 Toulon Tournament with England’s U20s. He describes himself as “energetic” and relishes being a “problem for the opposition.”
He said: “I like to get around the pitch and put myself about. I like to get the ball down and play, that’s what I hope to do for the team. Hopefully I’ll get us ticking and get those points on the board.
“I’m looking forward to playing at Priestfield, it’s a shame the fans won’t be there, but I’m looking forward to my home debut.”