Gillingham have announced the signing of former Cardiff City midfielder Stuart O’Keefe on a two year deal.

The 28 year old was released by the Welsh club earlier this month following a loan spell at Plymouth Argyle last season.

He made 11 League One appearances for the Devon club last season and was unable to find the back of the net.

Despite being on the books at Cardiff, he has spent the last three seasons on loan away from South Wales at MK Dons, Portsmouth and Argyle.

O’Keefe returns to the South East for the fist time since 2015 when he left Crystal Palace. Before his five year stint at Selhurst Park, he played for Southend United, the team who gave him his senior debut.

He made two Premier League appearances for Palace but an ankle injury cut his time in the top flight short.

He also came off the bench in the 2013 Championship playoff final which saw his side earn promotion back to the Premier League.

He moves to Priestfield with a vast amount of League One experience and is the fourth summer signing from Steve Evans.

Speaking to the club’s official website, Evans described his new midfielder as “an energetic, competitive midfielder who has played in both the Premier League and Championship.

“We are delighted to have him on board.”