Gillingham have signed Dagenham & Redbridge forward Gavin Tomlin on loan until the end of the season.

Tomlin, who is 29 on Friday, signed a deal on Thursday morning to join his hometown club.

Hessenthaler has been linked with the player in recent weeks and will be pleased to wrap up the deal following an injury to Danny Kedwell and the end of Jo Kuffour and and Frank Nouble's loan spells.

The Gills boss said the signing gave them another option up front until the end of the season.

He said: "He ignited Torquay's run-in to 2010/11 campaign and helped them get into the play-offs, and I've seen him play a few times this season and last season.

"We're pleased we've been able to sign him; it's another body we needed up top and I'm looking forward to working with him.

"He hasn't scored many goals for Dagenham this year but every player's different when they arrive at a football club. I think the way we play will suit Gavin and he'll create chances for us.

"He's a bit of a livewire and can cause all sorts of problems."

Tomlin's former clubs are Aylesbury, Staines, St Albans, Yeading, Windsor & Eton, Brentford, Fisher, Yeovil and Torquay.

Hessenthaler has also just said a deal for Kuffour is "imminent" and could be done before Saturday.