Midfielder Navid Nasseri hoping to impress Gillingham boss Steve Lovell and win a new deal

Kent Online – GILLINGHAM, Navid Nasseri might have missed his chance for World Cup selection but he’s got plenty to aim for.

The attacking midfielder, capped by Iran at under-21 level, had to wait three months for his first Gillingham start.

A goal on his debut against MK Dons was followed by a decent showing at Southend, coming on in the second half on what was a torrid day for the Gills, losing 4-0.

He’s now got seven more games to show what he can do and earn a new deal at the club, that being the focus rather than Iran’s forthcoming World Cup appearance.

“I want to put my stamp on the league,” said the 21-year-old.

“Hopefully I can get some more goals and assists before the end of the season so that people start tuning in and the gaffer can see what I can do for next season.

“I think from the two games I have shown glimpses of what I can do and there is definitely more to come as well. I am excited and happy to be a part of it.”

Manchester-born Nasseri, who qualifies to play for Iran through his parents, made his Football League debut as a late substitute for the Gills at Portsmouth.

But despite being unfamiliar to many, he feels a season in Sweden, playing for Syrianska, has already given him plenty of experience.

He said: “I was involved on the bench at Bury as a young lad but I never got on. Competitively in the UK these are my first games.

“A lot of people don’t understand or appreciate that the standard abroad is quite high and you come back here and the level isn’t that much different.

“I feel fit and sharp, I got 30 games under my belt last season (the Swedish season ended in November) and for me I feel like this is my second year playing. A lot of people might think this is my first season but it doesn’t feel that way to me.”