Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Andrew Crofts has rejoined Gillingham on loan until the end of the season.

The 31-year-old comes back to the club where he started his career – with a recall option after 28 days if required.

He starts for The Gills at Southend United, going straight into the side at Roots Hall.

Brighton & Hove Albion manager Chris Hughton explained the decision behind the move:

“Crofty’s game time has been limited in recent weeks because of the form of Beram and Dale.

“This loan move gives him the opportunity to get in some valuable playing time before the end of the season.”

The Welsh international joined The Gills as a trainee in August 2000 and went on to make 191 appearances for the club before falling out of favour under Mark Stimson.

He was to have a loan spell at Peterborough United and Wrexham before joining Brighton & Hove Albion on a free transfer in the summer of 2009.

Twelve months later Crofts was to join Norwich City, but after two seasons was back with Brighton where he has been an instrumental figure in the Seagulls squad.

Crofts has stayed living in Medway and will be a welcome addition to the squad for the remainder of the season with Doug Loft set to be out for some weeks.