Folkestone Invicta have signed Gillingham’s teenage defender Finn O’Mara.

The move for the 19-year-old is permanent, ending his spell with the Gills, which included a handful of first team appearance.

Among the highlights for the versatile defender was a league debut for the Gills against Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park and a first league start against Portsmouth, live on Sky Sports.

Gillingham took up the option of another year on O’Mara’s contract in the summer, but he didn’t play in any first team games during the opening months of the current season, his only involvement being an unused substitute in the Checkatrade Trophy match at Portsmouth.

O’Mara is no stranger to Invicta, having enjoyed a successful loan spell with them last season, playing alongside another former Gills defender, Callum Davies. He has agreed a deal until the end of next season with the Bostik Premier side.

He first joined the Gills in 2012, spending the last couple as a pro, and he tweeted: “Been an unreal couple years. Really enjoyed my time. I would just like to thank everyone at Gills for everything they’ve done for me and wish them the very best in the future and for the rest of the season.”

The youngster was a popular figure at Gills and several team-mates wished him well, including Darren Oldaker, who said: “Don’t know where to start with this one. You’ve been my boy from day dot at Gills, can’t believe you’re gone but I wish you all the best bro.”

A statement from the Gills said: “We would like to place on record our thanks to Finn for his hard work, dedication and professionalism during his time at Priestfield and we wish him well for the future.”

Invicta boss Neil Cugley said: “Finn enjoyed his time with us last season and I'm really pleased that he has now signed on a more permanent basis."

O'Mara is set to be involved for Folkestone in their home game against Dorking Wanderers on Saturday.