Maidstone United have beaten Monday afternoon's Ryman League registration deadline to sign Stephen Butcher on loan from Gillingham for the rest of the season.

The 19-year-old made his debut in Gills' League 1 opener against Colchester and started the FA Cup replay defeat at Brackley.

He will train with Stones for the first time on Tuesday and is contention for the Ryman League Premier Division clash at Bury Town this weekend.

Stones boss Jay Saunders said: "Stephen is a good athlete and can play anywhere across the back four and in midfield.

"He gives us options for the final matches of the season and he’s the kind of player I want to have at the club next season.”

The teenager has had loan spells with Margate and Ramsgate this season.