Stefan Payne has left Gillingham and joined League Two rivals Aldershot until the end of the season.

The 20-year-old striker began his career with Croydon before a prolific spell at fellow non-league outfit Sutton earned him a move to Premier League Fulham.

However, after just a year with the Cottagers Payne dropped back down the leagues to join the Gills in the summer of 2010.

Payne struggled to make an impact at Priestfield, with many fans suggesting he wasn’t really given a chance and the majority of his 37 appearance coming as a substitute while he also spent time on loan at Braintree last season before his contract – which was due to expire in the summer – was cancelled by mutual consent.

Payne told BBC Surrey: “I want to get games and try and score some goals. I could have had a lot more of a chance given [at Gillingham].

“When I’m given enough game time I can score goals.”

He added: “I haven’t scored many goals in my first team appearances, but the time on the pitch was three minutes here or four minutes there.   “It’s not enough time to come on and do anything.”

Aldershot boss Dean Holdsworth said: “He gives us something different. He gives us a lot of pace and he is hungry to do well and prove a point.

“We’ve seen him score goals. It’s until the end of the season and gives us another option.

“Financially, it’s right for us and it ticks the boxes.”

Payne is the second player to have left Priestfield in the January transfer window with Luke Rooney having left for Swindon Town, whilst Jo Kuffour has signed from Bristol Rovers until the end of the season and Gavin Tomlin has joined on loan from Dagenham & Redbridge until the end of the season.