Peter Taylor says he's delighted with the signing of Trinidad & Tobago international defender Gavin Hoyte.

Hoyte made his debut for the Gills on Tuesday in the 2-2 draw with Swindon after agreeing a short-term deal.

Hoyte, 24, is a product of Arsenal’s academy but spent the last two years at Dagenham & Redbridge.

He was on trial with Southend over the summer after rejecting a new contract with Dagenham. With injuries in the full-back area, Taylor decided to act and handed Hoyte a deal until January 18.

The Gills boss said: “He isn’t 100% fit at the minute. He has been away playing with Trinidad and hasn’t had a real pre-season, but once he gets 100% fit people will see what an athlete he is. I am pleased to have him.

“We needed some cover. He can play left-back and right-back and he showed how well he can do. He has trained with us for two weeks and it’s great we have him.

“People I knew at Dagenham and Redbridge all spoke exceptionally highly of him. I was pleased with him (on Tuesday).

“He has been training with us for a couple of weeks and has got good experience. He can play in a couple of positions, so that will be handy.”