Maidstone boss Jay Saunders says the club’s ever-growing profile, boosted by their new ground, is helping expose them to players they might not normally attract.

Saunders ran the rule over a Nigerian footballer who played in Spain’s second division Liga Segunda last season at training this

week, having previously welcomed a Sierra Leone international into his squad for pre-season.

Saunders (pictured) said: "I was sent a video of the Nigerian lad. He played in Spain’s second division last year, but has moved to London and I think he heard about the club online. I think the ground is helping get the name out there.

"I have to say the video was very interesting.

"There’s no risk involved for us, if they come down and they’re not up to it then you can send them away. We had a Sierra Leone striker with us, too, but I had to tell him we were all right up front."

Former Dartford forward Adam Burchell – who enjoyed a stint with the Stones at the end of the 2010-11 season – will also join training and could feature in tomorrow’s (Saturday) opening friendly fixture away to Bearsted (3pm) while Saunders has also been impressed with some teenagers from the Soccer Elite Academy.