Gillingham midfielder Dean Rance has joined Maidstone United on a month’s loan.

The first year professional has yet to taste first team football for the Gills after spending the early part of the season sidelined with injury.

He broke a bone in his foot in the pre-season game at Bromley and joins to Stones to get much-needed match practice.

Rance, who was born in Maidstone, finished the 09/10 season as top scorer for the Gillingham youth team.

It will be the second time Rance has been with the Stones, having joined them briefly on a work-experience deal last season.

Rance goes straight into the Stones team to face Kingstonian at Homelands on Tuesday night.

*Gillingham have arranged a friendly match against Deal Town for Wednesday, February 2 with a 7.30pm kickoff. Paying spectators can attend the match, at £6 adults and £3 concessions.

The Gills are set to play a mixture of fringe first team players and youngsters, including highly-rated teen Ashley Miller.

Picture: Dean Rance in action for Maidstone against Horsham last season.