Connor Ogilvie’s return to Gillingham has turned out to be well timed.

The Tottenham Hotspur defender joined on Friday, before the closing of the loan transfer window, on a deal that runs until the end of the year.

Gills boss Steve Lovell wanted extra defensive cover before losing captain Gabriel Zakuani to a shoulder injury at the weekend.

Speaking about Zakuani’s injury, Lovell said: “He is struggling with it, I think it has popped out so we will have to wait and see with that. It was a good job I got Connor Ogilvie in.”

The left-sided defender, who can play full-back or centre-half, made 37 league appearances for the Gills last season.

“I’m pleased to bring Connor back to the club,” said Lovell, who can only sign non-contracted players between now and January.

“He did very well for us last season and we felt we needed some extra cover on that left side of defence, although he can also fill in at centre-half.

“He will be a strong addition to the squad and we are looking forward to having him back with us.”

Lovell opted not to involve him at the weekend having already named his squad for the trip to Barnsley. They had already left Gillingham on the Friday before the deal was complete.

The manager said: “Because I didn’t know it was all going to go through I didn’t think it was fair to leave anyone out. He will come in Monday and play Tuesday (against Portsmouth in the Checkatrade Trophy).”

Alex Lacey was Zakuani’s defensive replacement at the weekend, going on for the skipper just before the break.

Lacey’s first season at the club was hampered by injury but he is fully fit and keen to show what he can do. He impressed with his showing at Barnsley, with Lovell saying: “He went on and did a great job, because Kieffer Moore (the Barnsley striker who had already scored twice) is a handful. Alex did very well against him when he came on.”