MANAGER Steve Evans described as a “decent debut” Tyreke Johnson’s first appearance for League One Gillingham.

Having sealed a loan switch from Saints less than 24 hours previously, forward Johnson played 90 minutes in a 1-0 home defeat to Burton Albion.

Speaking about the 22-year-old’s display, manager Evans told Kent Online: “The kid had a decent debut.

“He delivered a few superb crosses in the first period but he lacked quality service in that period.

“In the second half we pushed him up top and he created a few problems, he will be fine for us.”

Assistant boss Paul Raynor added: “We need to get him the ball. He got very little of it in the first half.

“When we did get him the ball he looked lively, he got one or two decent crosses in, he has that in his locker, he has a bit of pace and we utilised in him the middle second period, to try and get off the big fella (John Akinde), and make runs in behind.

"He looked lively and the fitter he gets, the more he gets to know us, I think he will be a good asset to us.”

Evans previously stated the Gills would look to make Johnson’s switch from St Mary’s permanent.