Southampton have agreed to let Tom O'Connor stay with the Gills for the rest of the season.

The youngster was on a deal that was due to expire at the end of the year.

Gills boss Steve Evans said: "Tommy and Alfie are staying and that’s good news for us. First and foremost thanks to Southampton Football Club for allowing them to continue to develop here. They have been warm to us and said how well they have developed."

Evans is expected to be busy in January, trying to improve his squad.

He said: "We are talking to two or three clubs and talking to the agents of those players. We know we need to strengthen the group.

"The Southampton boys are staying and by the end of the month (January) we will know if Olly (Lee) is staying. That decision isn’t with us."

Irishman O'Connor started off at the Gills playing left-back but has recently reverted to his more accustomed midfield position.

He's played 21 games for the Gills and scored his first goal in the Football League, against Bristol Rovers.

His impressive performances for the Gills have also earned him an international call-up for Republic of Ireland's under-21 team.

Fellow Saints players Alfie Jones signed a season-long loan deal in the summer and the Premier League club - who had a recall option in January - are happy for that arrangement to continue.

Both players have been ever-present for the Gills under the management of Steve Evans.

Evans recently spoke about how the Saints management team were 'ecstatic' about the players' development with the Gills.

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