Ebbsfleet striker Darren McQueen turned down a Football League move to stay at the club.

McQueen made his loan move to Stonebridge Road permanent for an undisclosed fee on Wednesday having originally joined the club on a season-long loan from Maldon in July.

The 12-goal forward has attracted interest after an excellent campaign in National League South.

Fleet boss Daryl McMahon said: “He was offered a contract at a League 2 club in January but he turned it down.

“We’ve shown faith in him, as a manager and a team, and the fans love him too.”

McMahon felt his club were leading the way to sign 21-year-old McQueen after the Fleet gave him the chance to shine this season.

“We were in the box seat as we showed faith in him,” added McMahon.

“We were prepared to take him on, we looked at his talent and have tried to nurture it, we’ve taken him out of the side when we’ve had to.

"I think Darren has appreciated what we’ve put into him.”