Crawley Town have signed former Swindon Town and Gillingham winger Luke Rooney on a one-year deal.

Rooney becomes manager Mark Yates' third signing of the summer following the arrivals of Simon Walton and Joe McNerney last week.

The 24-year-old returns to the Checkatrade.com Stadium having had a brief loan spell with Reds two years ago.

The former Eastbourne Borough and Lewes loanee was a free agent after finishing last season with Conference south outfit Ebbsfleet United having left Luton Town in March.

Rooney made 61 appearances for Gillingham before moving to Swindon for a fee believed to be £300,000 oin January 2012.

He struggled to make an impact at Swindon where he made just 32 appearances and was a target for Yates when he was manager of Cheltenham.

Yates said: “I think he is a very talented footballer and someone whose career I have followed closely since his days at Swindon.

“He had an injury last year which held him back a bit but I saw him several times for Luton and he was outstanding.

"A lot has changed at Crawley since his loan spell here but he does know the club and he is really enthusiastic about a new challenge and a fresh start here. He has a lot of qualities and I can see him playing a big part for us.”

Rooney made just five substitute appearances under Richie Barker before his previous loan spell at Crawley was hastily cut short but is determined to make a better impression this time.

He said: "I'm looking forward to showing the Crawley fans what I am capable of. It's almost a case of unfinished business if you like because when I was here before I don't think I started a game.

"I had a very good meeting with Mark and Jimmy. I think I play my best football as a central midfielder and that's the role they want me to play so I am delighted to be here and part of what they are trying to achieve."