Simon King has joined Gillingham’s League 2 rivals Plymouth Argyle on loan for a month.

The popular defender requested a move last week after failing to make the matchday squad so far this season.

He has now recovered from an ankle injury that has seen him miss almost two whole seasons of football and is depserate to prove he still has what it takes.

The chance of making an impression with the Gills has been hindered, however, by the form of experienced central defensive pair Matt Lawrence and Andy Frampton.

Speaking about the move, boss Andy Hessenthaler said: “He will be tested at Plymouth but then he needs to be because he’s had a long haul and the last few years have been really tough for him.”

Fellow central defender Garry Richards is also available for loan but so far there have been no offers. Hessenthaler has already expressed his reluctance to let both Richards and King out on loan due to Lawrence being just one booking away from an automatic ban.

Plymouth recently visited Priestfield and lost 3-0. King has the opportunity to play in five games for Peter Reid’s side over the next month, starting with a trip to Burton Albion on Saturday.