Gillingham target Kevin Lisbie has decided to play at a higher level by agreeing a four month deal with League One side Leyton Orient.

The 32 year old former Charlton Athletic and Colchester United striker was released by Ipswich Town in the summer and had been linked with a move to Gillingham where he spent seven games on loan in 1999.

However, the striker made it clear that despite being a “Gillingham fan”, he wanted to play at the highest level possible and will now spend the next four months at Brisbane Road where he will be hoping to secure a long term deal.

Leyton Orient boss Russell Slade was clearly delighted to have got his man, telling the club’s official website:

“Kevin has played much of his career at Championship and Premier League level and it’s surprising really to see someone with such ability not with a football club at this stage of the season,”

“He’s desperate to get going again, so all the enthusiasm he’s had all his life is there and he wants to do what he does best for us.”

The news will be another blow to Gills boss Andy Hessenthaler who is desperate to bring in another striker to the club with Adam Birchall sidelined until the New Year.