Gillingham have brought young Irishman Tom O’Connor back on loan from Southampton.

The versatile left-sided player made a big impression last season after making 32 appearances for the Gills. He has joined on a season-long deal.

Manager Steve Evans has been monitoring the 21-year-old over the summer but looked to have moved on after being made to wait on a decision.

But with injuries to several midfielders, including Stuart O’Keefe, Kyle Dempsey and Matty Willock, and with O’Connor still not getting any first team action at Southampton, a deal has finally been made.

He's delighted to get the chance to work with O'Connor again, saying: "Our supporters know how talented he is. He can play anywhere on the left side of the pitch, has great energy and as a kid himself he will fit in very comfortably with the youth we now have in our squad. He is match fit and ready to play.

"Tommy has a huge desire to learn his trade and the fact that his club have put their trust in us to enhance that demonstrates clearly the work we are doing on the training ground with these young players."

O’Connor has been left playing for the under-23s at Southampton since the return of football this season. He featured for the Saints in the under-21 game against Stevenage in the EFL Trophy.

The youngster is unlikely to replace Connor Ogilvie at left-back but he could be an ideal fit for a left wing-back role if Evans decides to go three at the back. Ogilvie would be suited for a place on the left of the three-man defence.

He has also shown he is capable of playing a more advanced role, as he showed when he arrived to slot home a late equaliser against Bristol Rovers last season .

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