Gillingham have brought in a back-up keeper on a short-term deal.

Frenchman Sacha Bastien has been training with the club for several weeks and with youngster Joe Walsh moving to QPR this week, the Gills have handed the 26-year-old a contract.

Bastien moved to England in the summer of 2019 to sign for Stevenage, making just one Football League appearance for them in League 2. He also played in three EFL Trophy matches.

He was coached at Stevenage by Ian Peldger, who is currently the Gillingham goalkeeper coach.

In France, Bastien played for CS Sedan, Reims, Bastia-Borgo and US Granville.

Bastien will provide cover for first-choice goalie Jack Bonham following Walsh’s exit for the Championship.

Evans said: “We know what he has to offer. He has played in a few closed door training ground matches and has done really well.

“The intention was always to bring him in and give him an opportunity, if and when Joe Walsh moved on.

“We all wish him all the very best, a good solid goalkeeper who deserves his chance."

Bastien is likely to take his place on the bench this Saturday for the game against Sunderland.

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