Watford defender Travis Akomeah has returned to Gillingham on loan for the remainder of the season.
The 19-year-old former Chelsea prospect was briefly back with Championship club Watford after a half-season loan.
Akomeah made just three league starts during the first half of the season.
Despite the lack of games, the young defender gained plenty from a four-month spell, which led to his first appearances in the Football League.
He had to wait until late November for his EFL debut, making an appearance off the bench in the home game against Barnet.
Starts against Colchester, Barrow and Fleetwood followed, but the return from long-term injury of fellow central defender Conor Masterson led to Akomeah dropping back out of the matchday squad.
The Gills have plenty of options at centre-half, including Masterson, Shad Ogie, Sam Gale and Andy Smith. Midfielder Robbie McKenzie has also played a handful of games in that position, while Ethan Coleman is another option.
Akomeah is available for selection this weekend and said: “I am very happy to continue my spell. I really enjoyed the first half of the season so I am now looking forward.
“We have a great group of boys, good coaching staff and I really like the vibe in the changing room – there is a good team spirit.”
Gillingham’s manager Gareth Ainsworth spoke highly of the teenager during his time at the Gills.
Ainsworth said: “He’s got a real presence and a calmness about him. This boy can play in the Premier League, without a doubt, but he also can mix it in League 2 and 1.
“I think Travis will be a great player in time.”
Ainsworth remains committed to improving their attacking options this month, and earlier this week Scottish club Ross County announced that they had rejected two offers from Gillingham for their striker Ronan Hale.
Gillingham have loaned out their young keeper Taite Holtam to Isthmian League side Cray Valley PM.
