Teenager Harry Phipps is determined to force his way into Maidstone’s starting XI after rejoining his hometown club.

Phipps was a youth-team midfielder at the Gallagher before moving to Dartford and then Margate.

Money problems at Gate saw manager Nikki Bull turn to youth and Phipps, 18, took his chance, catching Stones boss Jay Saunders’ eye against Charlton in the Kent Senior Cup.

Phipps said: “It’s fantastic that Jay’s given me the opportunity.

“Generally, the fans probably wanted a more experienced player but I’ve got the potential to improve.

“I only turned 18 in June, was under-18s last year, so I’m ready and raring to go.

“Speaking with Jay, I knew this was the place I wanted to go and I feel like this move is going to be very good for me in the future.

“I’m quite a dominant centre midfielder, an aerial presence, and I like to play a final ball through as well.

“I look to play but sometimes you’ve got to play long and put it in the channels.

“I’m not short of confidence. I wouldn’t have moved here in the first place if I didn’t want to progress and keep moving forward and Maidstone’s the place that’s going to take me where I want to be.”

Read the full interview in Friday's Kent Messenger