Gillingham have sent one of their promising young strikers out on loan for work experience.

Youth striker Harry Bridle has joined Isthmian South East side Sheppey United and will train with them for the first time on Thursday.

Bridle, 18, impressed in the summer during his time playing alongside the first-team squad at Gillingham, scoring twice in a 4-0 win at Dartford.

He also played half an hour in Gillingham’s pre-season game against Championship side Watford.

Bridle also scored for a Gills XI during pre-season in a 4-3 win over Hollands & Blair and netted twice in a 2-2 draw at Lordswood in a recent friendly.

He was one of three youngsters who took their chance to make an impact with the Gills senior team over the summer, along with Harry Waldock and Harry Webster.

The young striker, who has been a regular goalscorer for the youth team, picked up an injury last season and because of that was handed an extended scholarship deal in the summer along with Will de Wilde.

Sheppey have started their league campaign with four wins from four and Bridle will be available for selection this Saturday in their home game against Steyning Town Community.

Gillingham, meanwhile, have announced the names of three academy players who have been offered full-time football with the youth team from next season.

They are forwards Freddie Carruthers and Sullivan Booth, along with midfielder Alfie Cross.