Former Carlisle United defender Rhys Bennett is on the move in League One.

The centre-half has left Gillingham in order to sign a short-term deal with Morecambe.

Bennett has made 23 appearances for the Gills after leaving Carlisle in the summer.

But he now leaves the third tier's second bottom club in favour of a side sitting 21st in the table.

The 30-year-old could make his Shrimps debut against Accrington Stanley this weekend after agreeing his departure from Priestfield by mutual consent.

Morecambe manager Stephen Robinson told his club's website: “I am pleased to get Rhys over the line.

"He is someone that I have had an eye on throughout the season and we have worked hard to secure his signature. 

“He is very experienced at this level and was part of a cup-winning side during his time in Scotland [with Falkirk]

“Rhys gives us another option in defence; he is a tall, powerful defender that puts his body on the line when needed and I am sure the fans will be looking forward to seeing him in action.”

Bennett spent most of last season with Carlisle after joining as a free agent last November.

He made 26 appearances for Chris Beech's side but turned down a new deal in the summer and stepped up to League One.

The experienced defender may not be the last ex-United man to leave Gillingham before the transfer deadline, with their Cumbrian captain Kyle Dempsey contiuing to be linked with Bolton Wanderers.