Bivesh Gurung says it’s a privilege to have reached 100 appearances for hometown club Maidstone.

Gurung brought up the milestone with a typically committed performance in United’s 0-0 draw at Hornchurch on Saturday.

He knew he was closing in on three figures but hadn’t realised Hornchurch was the day until after the final whistle.

“I’m delighted,” said the midfielder, 23.

“To reach 100 appearances for the club is a great feeling.

“I knew I was there or thereabouts but I didn’t know it was today. It’s a great feeling and a privilege as well.

“Any time I get to put on the shirt is a great feeling and I just try to wear my heart on my sleeve and give my best every single time I step on to the pitch.”

Gurung was a youth-team player at Maidstone before being spotted by Crystal Palace in 2017.

He had spells in Sweden and Norway before returning to the UK, joining Margate, followed by a move back to Maidstone.

The former Maidstone Grammar School pupil made his debut as a second-half substitute in a 0-0 draw at Havant and was soon rewarded with an 18-month deal by then-boss Hakan Hayrettin.

“It was a crazy couple of days leading up to that game because we had quite a lot of injuries and people dropping out because of illness,” said Gurung.

“All of a sudden I got called up to be on the bench and then came on in the 55th minute. I remember that day very well, to be honest, and it was a really nice feeling.

“You always hope your debut will kickstart something special and it’s not bad reaching 100 appearances after that.”

Maidstone went on to win the National League South title but it was last season when Gurung truly came to the fore with his contribution to the club’s FA Cup exploits.

His wonder strike against Barrow was voted goal of the second round and he was part of the greatest day in the club’s history, the 2-1 fourth-round win at Ipswich, introduced midway through the second half with the scores level.

“The FA Cup is quite a highlight,” said Gurung.

“The Ipswich game ranks top for me because playing at a stadium like that, against that calibre of player, in front of that many fans, was like a dream come true.

“I still hear about the Barrow goal every now and then.

“I’m kind of getting a bit of sick of it but I haven’t had too many goals to show for it after that.

“Hopefully I can grab one or two more before the end of the season.”

Stones boss George Elokobi described Gurung as one of the most improved players this season in congratulating him on his 100th appearance.

The midfielder recently returned to the starting XI following a lay-off and has wasted no time in rediscovering his form.

“I feel really good,” said Gurung.

“Before I had that lay-off period for four weeks or so, I felt like I was playing my best football.

“I was really fit, feeling sharp and really confident in myself and my game.

“That little lay-off was a setback and I had to regain my fitness through games because I wasn’t really able to do anything while I was out, but I’m slowly getting back up to speed.

“I’m in a good way right now.

“That’s all you ever want to do as a player, just try and be the best possible version of yourself and that goes on a daily basis, how you apply yourself and I want to continue that.”