GILLINGHAM have snapped up French under-21 left-back Anthony Scaramozzino until the end of the season.

The 20-year-old arrives at Priestfield from French Ligue 1 side Nice to solve the club’s left-sided problems.

"We needed a left sided player and he came highly recommended," said Gills boss Neale Cooper.

"This lad’s contracted to them until 2008 and he needs to get some experience and he’s of a good pedigree."

Scaramozzino made just five appearances for Nice last term and they were keen to see the defender gain first-team experience.

"With Tommy Williams out for three or four weeks, we thought we needed to bring someone in," Cooper added

"We played (Richard) Rose on the left but he’s not naturally left-sided, although he did well.

"The only other player we could play there was Danny Jackman but the opposition were playing to his size and playing in a lot of high diagonal balls to him."