Gillingham have completed the loan signing of 19 year old Queens Park Rangers striker Charlie Kelman.

The striker, who stands at 5’9 and who will wear the number 9 shirt at Priestfield, has played 15 times for the London club since arriving at Loftus Road on a three-year deal for an significant undisclosed fee in October 2020, and now joins the Gills with immediate effect and will train with his new teammates later this week for the first time.

Kelman, a quick and energetic centre forward, has represented the USA at U18 and U20 levels, scoring eight goals in 20 appearances.

He began his career with Southend, coming through the academy ranks at Roots Hall, and made his professional debut at the age of 17 in an EFL Trophy tie against Southampton U21 in November 2018.

He scored his first EFL goal a couple of months later in a home league fixture against Plymouth Argyle, finding the net from inside his own half late in the game.

He netted eight times in 35 outings for the Seasiders before being snapped up by QPR just less than a year ago.

On capturing his signature, manager Steve Evans said: “Charlie is an exciting talent who has a big future at QPR.

“Mark Warburton and Les Ferdinand are big fans of the boy and I must thank them for sanctioning the loan.

“I tried to get the lad in July but I was turned down but, like the mountie, I got my man.

“Our supporters will love this lad, he will be great for us.”