Gillingham midfielder Lewis Montrose has finalised his loan deal with Oxford United.

Montrose will stay with the League 2 side until the end of the season and is likely to have now played his last game for the Gills, as his deal at Priestfield expires in the summer.

The 24-year-old (pictured) has been with the Gills since making the switch from Wycombe in July 2011.

Only three players played more games than him last season, under manager Andy Hessenthaler, and he has been a regular starter during this campaign as well.

But boss Martin Allen has been keen to trim the squad and Montrose was deemed surplus to requirements. He leaves having made 61 appearances for the club in total.

Allen said of Montrose: “Lewis is a fantastic bloke and a great professional who has dedicated himself and has been a pleasure to work with.

“He’s got guts and he’s got resolve and he has done a great job for this club.”

Montrose will be unable to play when the two sides meet at Priestfield on Tuesday, February 26.

The midfielder is one of three new signings at Oxford ahead of the weekend, but he will have to wait for his debut, as he is cup tied for Oxford’s next two matches in the FA Cup and JPT competition.

Picture: Barry Goodwin