Gillingham boss Steve Evans believes Celtic and Rangers target Jack Tucker would stroll the Scottish Premiership.

Centre-half Tucker is a serious prospect at the Gills and has already been watched in person by scouts for both sides of the Glasgow divide.

His manager rates him incredibly highly and has warned both the Hoops and Light Blues that they would undoubtedly face stiff competition from clubs down south should they opt to move for the £1.5m rated Tucker. However, should the 20-year-old move north, Evans has no doubts he would be a success story - because he has all the attributes to shine.

Evans also revealed he would not stand in his players' way should the right offer come along. He told Herald and Times Sport: "I think Jack could play in the Scottish Premiership tomorrow. At Gillingham, we're not Celtic or Rangers, Hearts or Hibs but we wouldn't be bottom of the league. We'd probably be on a par with Motherwell, maybe. I would certainly say Jack Tucker could absolutely play for Celtic or Rangers.

"He is an exceptional and exciting young talent. He got into our team at the start of the season and after a few games he's been outstanding and he's getting better week by week. I thought he'd go in January, actually, there was a club down in the English Championship who bid just over £1million for him and they upped it four times in three weeks. The Chairman said no, he wanted to keep him and develop him.

"We played West Ham earlier this season in the cup and [David Moyes] is a big admirer of Jack. We know we're not going to be able to stop the kid moving on but obviously it's got to be right for the club and, more importantly, right for Jack.

"He's a level-headed kid, I pulled him in the office and told him a move would be refused before deadline day. He came in and he got better, got on with it. But I gave him my word that if a club comes in the summer and it's right and the finances are fine with the Chairman, we'll allow Jack to go on his journey. Every young player we've developed, I love working with them, but there is a time to send them on their journey."