Gills boss Taylor in warm welcome for Smith

Former England caretaker manager and current Gillingham boss Peter Taylor has thanked Watford for loaning them one of their "best young players", Delvin man Connor Smith.

The Republic of Ireland U21 international and former Mullingar Athletic star moved to the Sky Bet League 1 side on loan last week, and he will spend the rest of the English football season at the Priestfield Stadium.

“He is a good passer, he has a great range, he has got good energy and he can play in a couple of different positions, as a defensive midfield player or an attacking one. I think we’re lucky to get him," Taylor told Luke Cawdell of Kent Online.

“Fair play to Watford, they wanted one of their best young players to go out on loan and get some experience."