Striker Gifford, 19, was on loan with the Rocks earlier this season and hit three goals in five games before being recalled by Boro boss Spencer Day. But the former Pompey youth player has had limited opportunities with the National League South outfit and has returned to Nyewood Lane.

Boss Blake says he is delighted with the capture, adding: “It’s great news for us. Dan has so much enthusiasm and ability and we think he can continue to grow and develop as a player with us and that is definitely what we are hoping.

“He is a good lad, is well liked here, knows our set-up and brings with him lots of quality. He definitely fits in with the type of player who we want to work with; young, relatively local and with lots to prove.

“Our club have done magnificently to bring Dan back and those behind the move, people such as Jack Pearce, deserve a lot of credit.”

Gifford, who was on loan at Bognor in 2021/22 during his Fratton Park days, has not been signed in time to figure in Blake’s squad on the road at Hornchurch tomorrow but will be available for the Isthmian premier division game at Whitehawk on Tuesday.