Gillingham boss Peter Taylor has thanked Watford for allowing them to have one of their “best young players”.

The Championship side have allowed the Gills to take midfielder Connor Smith on loan for the rest of the season. And Taylor feels the deal is a real coup.

He said: “He is a good passer, he has a great range, he has got good energy and he can play in a couple of different positions, as a defensive midfield player or an attacking one. I think we’re lucky to get him.

“Fair play to Watford, they wanted one of their best young players to go out on loan and get some experience.

“A lot of clubs keep hold of their players even though they are not going to play enough football. I have got no doubt that Connor will go back to Watford a better player with some good game time here and good experience.”

Smith has been Taylor’s third addition since the January transfer window opened and sixth since taking over from Martin Allen in October.

He said: “When I first came here as manager, my first thought was ‘how good can we make the squad?'. That’s why the squad has been slowly and surely strengthened.

“With people like Connor Smith coming in that makes sure nobody gets complacent."