Andy Hessenthaler has underlined the ambition and dedication of new goalkeeper signing Yusuf Mersin as striking selling points.

The 24-year-old arrived on a two-year deal on Monday as the first signing of the summer at Crabble after being released by League Two side Crawley Town earlier in May.

Mersin fills the void left by former No.1 Mitch Walker following his departure after seven years with the club at the end of the season.

Read more: League allocations for season 2019/20

Hessenthaler said: "We identified a few goalkeepers. I know he's 24 but I still class him as a young 'keeper, he's a good age still. I knew him from when he was at Liverpool, he came to Gillingham on a short loan spell when he was 19 so we knew of him.

"We then made some calls, I know Crawley's No.1 Glenn Morris well so we spoke to him, he was available so we got him in and had a good chat. He fits what we want. He's a good size at 6ft 5in, hungry to be No.1 and I'm going to push him to be No.1. I said to him he's got to try and get the shirt so it fits us well, and it fits us financially."

The shot-stopper made 19 appearances across all formats during his three-year stay with Crawley, including four cup appearances over the 2018/2019 campaign.

He began his career with Millwall's youth set-up before earning a switch to Liverpool's academy in January 2010, where he later featured for the Reds' under-18s and under-23s.

Mersin eventually moved on to Turkish Premier League side Kasimpasa in 2014 until he returned to England with Crawley in 2016.

The Greenwich-born Turkey international, who has played for his country at both under-17 and under-18 level, is now set to rival Lee Worgan between the sticks after the 35-year-old claimed the starting spot ahead of Walker over the second half of last season.

Hessenthaler added: "He's had some really good experiences but has just probably lacked games. Last year he was a bit unlucky. I spoke to Crawley's coach and it was a case that Glenn Morris was playing so well and he just couldn't shift him. You have to hold your hands up sometimes as a goalkeeper, there's only one position for them unfortunately.

"He's been well travelled though and just needs to settle now and get some games on his CV.

"We know what Lee (Worgan) can do, he (Mersin) will probably play more pre-season games than Lee will. I'm looking forward to working with him.

"When we met with him, his dad and his friend he didn't mention money, he just spoke about the opportunity and was a breath of fresh air. He wants to play in the Premier League, we want to give him that platform."

Read more: New Gillingham manager Steve Evans to serve four-match touchline ban