Teenage defender Josh Pask impressed Gills boss Justin Edinburgh on his debut at Southend.

The 18-year-old has joined Gillingham on a season-long loan from Premier League side West Ham.

He only recently signed a new three-year deal with Slaven Bilic’s side and will be looking to further his development at Priestfield.

Pask played 90 minutes on Tuesday night and Edinburgh said: “I thought he looked comfortable, affective, sharp and he played off the front foot.

“He looked like a real confident debut for us. I thought he was excellent.”

Pask comes in to compete for the central defensive role alongside Max Ehmer and Deji Oshilaja.

Before his debut, Edinburgh said: “Josh is a bright, young player who has impressed the staff on the occasions we’ve seen him play.

“With his talent and the league experience he gained at Dagenham last season, he’ll be a valuable signing.”

Pask joined the Hammers a decade ago as an eight-year-old, originally as a striker, and signed his first professional deal in November 2014.

His parent club showed how highly they rate him by extending his contract and he now has the platform to get regular league football.