Justin Edinburgh believes newcomer Mark Byrne could be a real crowd pleaser.

The 27-year-old signed for Gillingham on a two-year deal this week to become the first new face to arrive at Priestfield this summer.

Central midfielder Byrne played under Edinburgh at Rushden & Diamonds and Newport County and the manager is sure the Gillingham fans will appreciate his whole-hearted performances.

Edinburgh said: “He is someone I know the crowd will warm to. He is box-to-box, tenacious and talented.

“He is not the biggest in stature but will produce swashbuckling performances.

“He is aggressive but also a good passer of the ball. He can score goals as well. I class him as a modern-day footballer. He is one who can play in numerous roles in that central midfield.”

Byrne swept the board at Newport’s end-of-season awards ceremony, walking away with seven trophies including player-of-the-year and goal-of-the-season for his FA Cup strike against Blackburn.

He was used mainly as a holding midfielder last season but Edinburgh knows he can offer much more.

“He can certainly get goals,” said Edinburgh.

“He scored goals for me at Rushden. I know what he is about. I’m excited about working with him again.”