Gillingham manager Steve Evans has moved quickly to secure a new goalkeeper ahead of Saturday’s game at Sunderland with the signing of Sacha Bastien.

The 26-year-old French keeper has agreed a short-term deal and will provide competition for Jack Bonham between the sticks with Joe Walsh having signed for Queens Park Rangers.

Bastien is reunited with goalkeeping coach, Ian Pledger, who he worked alongside while with Stevenage during the 2019-20 campaign. 

Sacha will be part of the squad that travels to the Stadium of Light, and takes over the number 12 jersey.

The Gills boss said: “Sacha has trained with us for many weeks since late last year, so we know what he has to offer.

“Further, he has played in a few closed door training ground matches and has done really well.

“The intention was always to bring him in and give him an opportunity, if and when Joe Walsh moved on.

“We all wish him all the very best, a good solid goalkeeper who deserves his chance.” 

Picture supplied by Gillingham Football Club.