One of Ashford’s top performers this season is facing six weeks on the sidelines.

Noah Carney has excelled since being converted from a centre-forward to a right-winger by boss Danny Kedwell.

But he’s set to miss six weeks after a scan picked up a hairline fracture in his leg.

“He’s been unbelievable, he’ll be a big miss for us,” said Kedwell. “He’s a good kid as well.

“He’s only 20 and he’s got a very bright future.

“He works hard, he gets us up the pitch, he’s quick, he’s strong, he can hold the ball up.

“He’s got three or four assists already, he’s scored himself, he’s got a bit of everything.

“He’s playing a new position and I think that’s what’s going to kick him on now.”

Ashford stumbled across Carney’s new role during pre-season.

He was asked to play out wide in a friendly and was so good, he’s stayed there.

“I asked him if he could play on the right-hand side for us, just for one game, because it was pre-season and people needed minutes up front,” said Kedwell.

“He said, ‘yes, no problem’ and he was unbelievable.

“I said to him afterwards, ‘you’re not a forward, you’re a winger’.

“He’s loved playing there, he’s really enjoyed it.

“He’s a young lad and he was playing every week until he got injured.”

Ashford visit Deal in the FA Trophy first qualifying round today.