GILLINGHAM have signed Republic of Ireland Under-19 goalkeeper Darren Randolph on loan from Charlton Athletic.

Randolph spent the beginning of last season’s campaign far from the glitz and glamour of the Premiership, instead plying his trade with League Two bound Accrington Stanley, where a highly successful loan period led to the penning of a two-year pro deal on return to the Valley.

The 19-year-old’s displays greatly impacted on Stanley’s rise toward League football, something Gills fans will hope can be replicated at the next level, involving a push for promotion to the Championship.

Randolph very nearly completed a remarkable leap from non-League football to the big time late last season, when he found himself on the Charlton bench for dates with Newcastle United at St James’ Park and Manchester United at Old Trafford.

The Irishman’s arrival at Priestfield is timed perfectly, with the Gills only senior squad custodian Kelvin Jack picking up a knock against Bradford last Saturday, paving the way for Randolph to potentially make his Gills debut against Northampton.

Jepson is also hoping to tie up a loan deal for a Championship striker.

He said: "The striker we are hoping to bring is someone we believe would be very effective at this level. He knows what it’s all about."

* Keep up to date with all the news from Priestfield every week in the Medway Messenger.