Premier League youngster Jake McCarthy has no problem with the physical side of National League football.

The on-loan Bournemouth man was clattered several times on his first Maidstone start against Southport last weekend.

But he’s at the Gallagher to gain experience of men’s football and won’t go hiding.

McCarthy, 20, said: “I’m always prepared for it. I’m a player who likes drawing fouls so I was ready for it. It was a good fight.

“They’re obviously fighting relegation as well, so they were up for it, but it was great to get a first start and hopefully there’s many more to come.

“There were a lot of 50:50 challenges but I don’t mind getting stuck in and hopefully I did well.”

McCarthy joined Maidstone as a defender but was handed his chance in midfield with Stuart Lewis suspended.

It’s a role he knows well from Bournemouth and with his family travelling up from Dorset, it was nice to be given the nod.

He said: “I’ve been playing midfield for the majority of the season back at Bournemouth for the 21s.

“I’m a versatile player, I can play centre-back or centre-mid so I’m prepared for either position.

“In training there were hints I was going to be involved but nothing’s ever set in stone until you get into the changing room.

“I always prepare like I’m going to start anyway, until I get told otherwise.

“Training’s been going really well, I’ve just been waiting for my chance to start.

“Unfortunately Stu got sent off at Dagenham but it means I’ve had an opportunity to start.

“I think I did well, I’m enjoying it, I’m looking forward to staying up and pushing on for next season.”

Maidstone are putting McCarthy up in a hotel and he’s adapted to living away from home, helped by the welcome he’s had at the Gallagher.

He said: “The girlfriend’s been travelling up to see me, to keep me company, and the parents have come up for the game.

“I’m keeping myself busy, I’ve got the gym, I’ve got all the facilities I need and all the lads are really welcoming, so I’ve been going out for lunch with them.

“Everyone’s made me feel really welcome, from the chairman all the way through to the kitman.

“It’s a really nice club and the fans have made me feel welcome.

“It’s a great bunch of lads, a lively changing room, we’re five unbeaten and I just want the run to continue.”