Gillingham have signed Reading youngster Simon Locke on an emergency loan following an injury to first choice keeper Simon Royce.

Locke, a second year youth apprentice at Reading, will act as cover for Alan Julian who will remain in goal in Royce’s absence.

The young keeper joins from the Championship side on an initial one month loan and will be eligible up to and including the Tranmere game at Priestfield on January 9.

Royce will be out for up to four months after suffering back, neck and knee injuries following a car crash last week.