Gillingham have bolstered their striking options by snapping up Rowan Vine on loan from QPR until the end of the season.

The 29 year old former former Luton Town and Birmingham City striker went on trial at League Two rivals Southend last week, but their manager, Paul Sturrock opted not the sign him due to fitness concerns.

However, Gills manager Andy Hessenthaler has taken a punt on the striker that cost Birmingham £2.5 million from Luton Town just five years ago.

Speaking to the club’s official website, Vine revealed he was keen to get playing football again:

“It’s been a while since I’ve been part of a squad and preparing for games, so I’m looking forward to it.”

“I’ve come here to be part of the squad and to see if I can bring something to the table in terms of helping them get into the play-offs and I’ll be trying everything I can to achieve that.”

Just a year after signing for Birmingham, Vine left for QPR in a £1 million deal, but suffered a fracture of his fibula and tibula just three months after joining, and was restricted to mostly substitute appearances under Neil Warnock.

Loan spells at Hull City, Brentford, Milton Keynes Dons and Exeter City in the past eighteen months have given Vine the chance to get back into football, but has scored just the once in the 27 appearances whilst away from QPR.

Vine is expected to be part of the Gillingham squad that heads to Bradford City on Saturday in what could be described as a must win game.