Gillingham have announced the return of popular striker Tom Eaves on a one-year deal

Tom Eaves has completed a move back to Gillingham after seven years away.

The experienced striker’s return to Priestfield has been confirmed as the Gills move to bolster their attacking options following a series of injury blows.

Eaves comes in on a one-year deal after manager Gareth Ainsworth was left short of attacking options, with all three of his senior strikers suffering issues last weekend.

Ainsworth has been keen to bring in more firepower, and Eaves provides a familiar face and proven goalscoring pedigree.

He said: "I am delighted to be back and I am so grateful for the opportunity to return to a club I have such admiration for.

"I honestly cannot wait to get going and see the fans at Priestfield. I am really excited.

“It’s a club that has always been close to my heart and reignited my own career.

“Scoring at the Rainham End, my favourite end to score in any football club, there is no roar like it.

“I had a really special time last time, and I am obviously aware of the expectations; people expect you to come in and hit the same numbers, but I have my own high standards which I expect from myself, and I will continue to operate now as I did back then and constantly try and improve as well.

“I am in really good shape and fit and ready to go.”

The 34-year-old has been a free agent since the summer, when he was released by Northampton Town.

Northampton were relegated from League One last season, but Eaves still managed 10 goals in the third-tier.

Summer signing Will Goodwin has been in and out of the side in recent weeks with injury problems and was forced off early on at York last Saturday.

Ronan Hale has also picked up a few knocks recently and is a weekend doubt with a rib injury suffered in that same game in