Crawley Town have further strengthened their squad by signing former Charlton defender Kelly Youga on a short-term deal.

Youga goes straight into the squad for Saturday’s home game against Gillingham after joining Reds until the end of the season.

The 29-year-old was a free agent following a spell in China last year with Qingdao Hainiu and has impressed boss Dean Saunders in training.

Youga began his career at Olympique Lyonnais before moving to England to sign for Charlton in 2005. He went on to make 71 appearances for the Valiants as well as spending time on loan at Bristol City, Bradford City and Scunthorpe United.

The Central African Republic international had unsuccessful spells at Yeovil, Ipswich and AFC Wimbledon after leaving Charlton in 2011 before moving to China.

The 6ft 1in left-back becomes Crawley’s second signing in the space of 24 hours following the arrival of former Manchester United striker John Cofie on Wednesday.

Saunders said: “Kelly gives us some cover if anything happens to Ryan Dickson or Sonny Bradley. He is strong and aggressive and wants a chance to prove himself.”