Baily Cargill is expected to link up with his new Gillingham team-mates on Monday.

The Bournemouth defender signed for the Gills on loan at the end of August, when the transfer window closed, but has yet to feature for his new side.

Gills boss Justin Edinburgh was aware the 20-year-old was recovering from an injury at the time he signed but admits the recovery has taken longer than expected.

With new transfer rules denying clubs the chance of signing contracted players until January, the Gills agreed the deal to give them cover should they need it at a later date.

Edinburgh said: “He had a groin problem when we took it. We needed back up and the diagnosis and information we got at the time was that he would be back sooner, but it is what it is.”

Gillingham haven’t paid Bournemouth any money during the rehabilitation process and will only begin contributing to his wages once the player is match fit.

The home game against Walsall on Tuesday night may be too soon for Cargill but he could begin challenging for a first-team place when the Gills host Charlton next weekend.