Central defender Zesh Rehman has joined Gillingham until the end of the season.

He has signed for a team that are struggling defensively and in need of a clean sheet.

Rehman, 33, was born in Birmingham but has played 18 times for Pakistan, having previously represented England at junior level.

He came through the ranks at Fulham, making the step up to the first team and playing Premiership football, before switching to neighbours Queens Park Rangers.

A season at Bradford was followed by a year at Muangthong United in Thailand. He followed that with a season at Hong Kong side Kitchee and for the last two years has been playing in the Malaysian Super League with Pahang.

Rehman is a centre-back but can also play right-back and as a holding midfielder.

After signing for the remainder of the season, he said: “I'm hoping I can use my experience to help the team.

“I've spent six years and clocked up over 200 games playing overseas, so it's good to be back in England.

"I'm looking forward to rolling my sleeves up and helping in the fight to move the club up the table.”

He will be available to face Southend this week if he gets international clearance.

Boss Ady Pennock said: “I've been after an experienced centre-back for a few weeks and I'm very pleased to get Zesh on board. He'll give us his experience and brings with him great knowledge of this division."

Gillingham have made no secret that their funds are short but Rehman is the second player to sign for the club this week, following Ollie Muldoon’s recent arrival.

Muldoon is the guest columnist in the Messenger this week. Click here for a read.

In a busy week off the field, the Gills have also parted company with Jay Emmanuel-Thomas.