Gillingham have confirmed the return of defender Conor Masterson on loan.

The 24-year-old Irish centre-half has joined from Championship side QPR and becomes the eighth new arrival of the January transfer window.

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Masterson enjoyed a loan spell at the Gills last season, an ever-present under current boss Neil Harris, making 18 starts in League 1. It's understood the defender is out of contract at QPR in the summer when he could become a free agent.

He had spent the first half of that season at Cambridge United, where he also impressed.

The Gills have been keen to bring in an additional central defender after Elkan Baggott was recalled by Ipswich and moved on to Cheltenham.

Newcomer Masterson was hoping to play a part for QPR this season and was involved early on, including a late substitute appearance against Watford in the Championship. That was the only time he played.

He joins the Gills ahead of their trip to old rivals Swindon Town on Saturday and could feature.