Irish midfielder Mark Byrne has signed for Gillingham.

The Dubliner links up with Justin Edinburgh for the third time after joining on a two-year-deal.

Byrne has previously played for Edinburgh at Rushden and Newport.

The 27-year-old was offered a new deal at Newport this summer but that was withdrawn earlier this week.

He captained the Welsh side last season as they battled against relegation in League 2 and made 88 appearances for them over the last two campaigns.

He dominated Newport’s end of season awards, picking up seven trophies.

Byrne said: “I’ve worked under Justin before and when I found out there was interest from him and the club, I was more than happy to work with him again.”

Edinburgh almost made a move for the player in January but opted against the idea as his former club were battling against the drop.

The Gills boss said: "Mark’s driven, energetic and tenacious. He’s got that bite managers want in their midfield.

"Bringing him to the club is a fantastic coup for us. His arrival strengthens us, no question about it."

The combative midfielder began his career at Nottingham Forest and had loan spells at Burton, Rushden and Barnet, who he signed permanently for in the summer of 2011.

After playing over 100 games for Barnet, he joined Edinburgh at Newport.

Byrne is the first new face to arrive at Gillingham this summer with Edinburgh in negotiations with a number of other targets.