Gillingham have today signed Irish midfielder Mark Byrne on a two-year deal.

Dublin-born Byrne, who has previously played under Gills manager Justin Edinburgh at Rushden & Diamonds and Newport County, joins the club on a free-transfer.

“I’m delighted to sign, I’m happy to be here and looking forward to getting started,” said the 27-year-old.

“I’ve worked under Justin before, and when I found out there was interest from him and the club, I was more than happy to work with him again.”

Byrne made two appearances for Nottingham Forest in the Championship in 2008, and has also had spells at Burton Albion and Barnet during his career.

A box-to-box midfielder, Byrne dominated Newport’s Player of the Year awards in May, winning seven prizes, including the main prize and also the Players’ Player trophy.

Byrne is Gillingham’s first new signing of the summer with manager Justin Edinburgh looking to build a squad capable of challenging at the top end of League One next season.