Gillingham have signed Carlisle defender Josh Gowling on an initial five week loan.

The 24-year-old will be hoping to win an extended deal if he can impress Gills manager Mark Stimson.

Gowling (pictured) made just six appearances for Carlisle last season and was loaned out to League 1 rivals Hereford where he played 13 games.

The Coventry-born centre back will give Stimson additional options and compete with Garry Richards, Simon King and Tom Wynter for a starting place.

Gowling, who stands at six foot three inches, began his career as a trainee at West Brom before moving to Dutch side Herfolge BK. He then spent three years at Bournemouth before moving north to Carlisle last summer.

He has been given permission to play in Gillingham’s Carling Cup first round game against Plymouth and the present deal will come to an end on August 22, following Gillingham’s home game against Hartlepool.

Gowling will make his debut for Gillingham tomorrow (Tuesday) night at Bishop’s Stortford.