Gillingham midfielder Luke Rooney has completed his expected move to League Two rivals Swindon Town this afternoon.

The 21 year old has signed a deal that will see him at The County Ground until the end of the 2013/14 season after the two clubs agreed an undislosed fee believed to be in the region of £150,000.

Rooney’s departure from Priestfield had been expected for some time after failing to agree a new deal with The Gills back in November.

The livewire midfielder, who was out of contract in the summer, was susbequently dropped from the squad, but did go on to make a return for the club with his last appearance in a Gills shirt coming in Saturday’s 2-0 defeat in Shrewsbury.

Speaking about his move to Swindon, Rooney told their club’s website: “It’s a great move for me and I can’t wait to get started here with Swindon. The move has been on the cards for a while and it’s a new challenge for me.”

“I like to get the ball down with a bit of flair and take players on so hopefully the fans will like what they see.”

Rooney made 61 appearances for Gillingham since making his debut for the club in the Carling Cup against Plymouth Argyle in August 2009 and he could make his debut for Swindon at The County Ground on Saturday against Macclesfield.   Following his move to Swindon, Rooney could be back at Priestfield on Saturday 21st April when the two clubs meet in the league.

Picture by Jack Gracie