Shaun Wilkinson has been told to keep firing the goals which could earn him a dream Nationwide League chance.

The 20-year-old from Portsmouth has been a revelation in pre-season since being switched from midfield to a central striking role.

Boss Martin Hinshelwood remains in the hunt for a striker and is keeping a careful eye on the fitness of Gary Hart and Bobby Zamora.

He indicated however that Wilkinson could be one of those promising youngsters given a chance when the league season kicks-off.

Hinshelwood said: "We are light up front but I can't fault Shaun since we put him up there.

"He was first signed as a striker and has probably never played there since.

"He's a kid who will have a go for you all over the park but I've just got a feeling about him playing up front.

"I like to see him in the side because he's very enthusiastic.

"He had one of two problems with bookings in his first couple of seasons but he's calmed down a wee bit.

"You can't knock it out of him because it's part of his game but from the second half at Crawley on Saturday and the 90 minutes on Monday I'm pleased with him."

Wilkinson's double strike in the first half at Bognor was followed by a precise angled through ball to send Paul Brooker through to complete a 3-0 win.

It meant the youngster, given his debut in December 1999 by Micky Adams in a defeat at Swansea, has scored three goals, set two up and won a penalty in 180 minutes playing as a striker.

Dean Hammond, a busy 19-year-old midfielder from Hastings, was among the players to get a full game at Nyewood Lane and Hinshelwood will continue to look for youngsters to show their ability.

He added: "The side I put out in the first game of the season will be the side I think can beat Burnley and if it means me having a couple of kids in it I will do that.

"The people who will be in there will have earnt it in pre-season."

Tonight's opponents should offer Albion their toughest test to date given Gravesend were promoted to the Conference last season.

Kerry Mayo, Paul Rogers, Richard Carpenter, Steve Melton and Adam Virgo will be among those expected to feature having missed Monday's win at Bognor while Hart is being lined up for 45 minutes of action as he continues his return to full match fitness.