Gillingham have further strengthened their squad by signing West Ham teenager Josh Pask on a season long loan.

The highly-rated 18-year-old defender, who joined the East London club at the age of eight, signed his first professional contract with the Irons in November 2014.

Pask also gained valuable EFL experience during a loan spell with Dagenham & Redbridge last season, playing six times for the Essex club.

“I’m looking forward to the season ahead,” he said. “I experienced league football last season on-loan at Dagenham; it was a good step-up from the Under-21s, and I feel ready to play at a higher level this season.”

Pask, who can play as a centre-back and also a holding midfielder, added: “I used to play upfront when I was younger, but those days have gone now! But hopefully I can chip in with a couple of goals”

He is the ninth new arrival at the MEMS Priestfield Stadium this summer, and follows fellow centre-back Deji Oshilaja into the club.

“Josh is a bright, young player who has impressed the staff and I on the occasions we’ve seen him play,” said Gillingham manager Justin Edinburgh.

“We’ve been looking at strengthening the backline this summer, and with his talent and the league experience he gained at Dagenham last season, he’ll be a valuable signing.”