Ebbsfleet United sign former Reading, Gillingham, Blackburn Rovers and Ross County striker Dominic Samuel - Shaq Coulthirst joins Braintree on loan

Former Gillingham striker Dominic Samuel has joined National League Ebbsfleet.

It’s a case of one in, one out for the Fleet with forward Shaq Coulthirst making a loan move to National League South Braintree until the end of January.

Samuel becomes the third signing in as many weeks for Ebbsfleet boss Dennis Kutrieb, who had also drafted in Jordon Ibe and centre-back Mustapha Olagunju on loan from Huddersfield.

Samuel has been without a club since leaving Scottish outfit Ross County at the end of last season.

The 29-year-old said: “I know quite a few of the boys, having played against and with them.

“As a striker, I want to score as many goals as I can and in football, you need to be confident.”

Samuel’s second spell at Gillingham was hindered by injury, although he still made 26 appearances and scored six goals. He previously spent time on loan at the Gills from Reading during the 2015/16 season when he netted seven times in 25 outings.

The Fleet’s attacking options have been limited at the start of the season with Rakish Bingham ruled out until the Christmas period due to injury.

In addition, top scorer Dominic Poleon picked up an injury and has also been on international duty.

With Coulthirst unable to establish himself as a regular starter - despite impressing in the opening-day win at Rochdale - it made sense for the Fleet to look at a fresh option.

Samuel, who came through the youth system as Reading, has also played for Blackburn and Ipswich. He could feature against one of his former clubs on Saturday if he plays for Ebbsfleet against Dagenham at Stonebridge Road.