Martin Allen delighted with the contribution of new striker Antonio German
Martin Allen has praised the impact that Antonio German has had on the squad since arriving on a one-month loan deal from Brentford.
The striker scored the first in a 2-1 win over Plymouth on Saturday and started the game against Exeter on Tuesday, and the Manager said he has the right character and attitude which has helped improve the team.
He said: “What I do know is that Antonio wanted a chance – he slept at my house, infact I think he sleeps at anyone’s house that he can find to kip at.
“He is young; he’s hungry, has great energy and is a pleasure to have around the training ground. From being a 17-year-old kid who was on the fast road to top Premier League Football – he has been a breath of fresh air for everybody.
“It was his second game in three days aswell [at Exeter] and he hasn’t played for months so I have to recognise that.
“He has trained hard; he has worked hard and didn’t ask for anything when he came here. He’s virtually playing for us because he wants a chance and wants to play and I love that about him.
“He’s got no interest in anything else apart from training and playing.
“Myles Weston is chuffed to bits that German has come in and done well because he’s the one that recommended him.
“When he scored on Saturday he had the biggest grin in Priestfield when I looked round and saw him because he was the one who told me to take the German as I call him.”
Martin admitted that he is constantly on at the player to try and help develop his talent, but thinks this is needed in order to get the best out of the centre forward.
He added: “He just needs some help and I shout at him all the time and tell him off all the time and I’m at him all the time.
“Not good enough, not good enough, not good enough and the other players know what I’m like. He can go to the top, he could. Tough love and he will get his rewards; it’s no good being average or just doing enough.
“It’s no good being happy just to be a footballer; we don’t do that at Gillingham. We don’t have it and I don’t want it.
“All the staff were here at half past six on Tuesday morning, I was the last member of staff in to work at half past to make sure I was going to be on that bus and all of the players made it in by eight o’clock.
“That’s why we are top of the league – no lightweights, no cheats.”
To read what Martin had to say about the prospect of playing Morecambe click here.
To watch his pre-match press conference and activate your 14-day free Gills Player trial click here.