"When I was playing he was playing for free," said Gowling as reported by BBC Hereford and Worcester.
"He wants to succeed.
"He's moved home this year to be close to training.
"For me, at the moment, he's been our best player.
"He really wants to do well, he's got such a great attitude.
"He's someone I hold in really high regard, he's absolutely fanastic."