Defender Connor Essam has rejoined Gillingham ahead of their FA Cup tie against Scunthorpe United.

Essam (pictured) has spent the last month with Blue Square Bet Premier Luton Town.

the 20-year-old was left on the bench last weekend as Luton beat Forest Green Rovers in the league. He was denied permission to play in the FA Cup with Luton and so is now available for the Gills.

He made nine league appearances for Luton.

Boss Martin Allen said: “He has played in a lot of winning teams and they wanted to keep him but Connor is back with us and available.

“He has done really well at Luton.”

The Gills also have striker Adam Birchall available, after a spell on loan at Dartford.

Allen said: “I don’t think he will mind but I’ve nicknamed him pit-bull.

“He is small and sharp and whenever that ball comes to him he makes something happen. He is now ready.”