Chelsea midfielder Jordan Houghton is making his mark on-loan with Gillingham this season.

The 19 year-old has been key to Gillingham's surprise start to the campaign, with the Gills currently sitting top of the League One table.

Houghton was named man-of-the-match for victory over Wigan Athletic on Saturday, creating one of their two goals.

The midfielder told the Medway Messenger: “With the high pressing game that we do play, we let them have the ball and then press with a real urgency.

“It was pleasing to win the ball and play a nice ball inside and it set the goal on its way. I was really pleased with how the team played overall and that high tempo is what we have to keep up for the rest of the season.

“Most teams can’t cope with that high tempo. There is so much pace and power in the team.

“If teams want to try and play the ball out (from the back) then we will let them do it and try and nick the ball off them in their final third. It is something we have had drilled in from the start and something the gaffer wants us to do.”

Houghton is on-loan at Gillingham until January 3, but such has been his impact that fans are already clamouring for manager Justin Edinburgh to open talks with Chelsea about extending his stay to season's end.

Asked about Houghton's performance on Saturday, 'GreenyKent' tweeted:

@tribalfootball very good..hope Gills can work out an extention come Jan — Greeny (@GreenyKent) August 23, 2015

Houghton has captained Chelsea's U21 team and also was part of their FA Youth Cup winning team of 2013/14.

His form with the Gills is attracting England U21 coach Gareth Southgate's scouts, with the midfielder having been capped at U17, U19 and U20 level.

Houghton has been recognised for his high-octane style and 'GreenyKent' says he is a genuine modern day player:

@tribalfootball box to box midfielder — Greeny (@GreenyKent) August 24, 2015