Matt Fry has joined Coca-Cola League One promotion-chasers Charlton Athletic on loan until the end of the season.

The first-year professional will link up with former West Ham United club-mates Christian Dailly and Kyel Reid at the Valley, and could partner the Scot at the heart of the Addicks' back four at Huddersfield Town on Saturday.

Fry's second loan spell of the 2009/10 season sees him swap a League One relegation battle at Gillingham, where he impressed during a ten-week stay at the Priestfield Stadium between mid-October and the end of December, with a fight for promotion with fourth-placed Charlton.

Ironically, the 19-year-old lined up against Charlton on his second appearance for the Gills on 24 October.

The centre-back's stay at Gillingham was cut short by a knee injury, but he is now back to fitness and will hope to play his part in helping Phil Parkinson's side reach the Championship at the first attempt.

A versatile player, Fry can also fill in at left-back, and manager Parkinson admitted the youngster could be picked in either position during Charlton's final nine fixtures.

"He's a good young defender who has been at Gillingham on loan this season," said Parkinson. "Unfortunately he picked up an injury there but he's come back from that and played a reserve game [against Tottenham Hotspur] last week. Matt comes in to compete for the centre-back spot and the left-back spot."

The teenager would remain with the south London club should they reach the League One play-offs. At present, Charlton sit four points adrift of Leeds United, who occupy the second automatic promotion place.

Tune into WHUTV on Friday for Fry's exclusive reaction to his loan move.