Ashford fans may not have seen the last of striker George Nikaj just yet.

Nikaj was recalled by Dover after scoring nine goals in a two-month loan spell with the Nuts & Bolts.

The 19-year-old appeared as a substitute in Whites’ goalless draw at Chelmsford on Monday night.

Ashford manager Tommy Warrilow, who is preparing his side for a top-of-the-table clash at Chatham on Saturday (3pm), will discuss Nikaj’s situation with Dover boss Andy Hessenthaler.

“There may be a possibility of getting him back on loan,” said Warrilow.

“The boy Noah Carney got a knock in training and Alfie Pavey was suspended, so they took George back and, by all accounts, he came on for half an hour and did well.

“I’ll speak to Hess and find out what the situation is with George. We said we’d speak about it this week, once Monday was out the way.

“If they keep him, they keep him. It’s a discussion we’ll have but I’m not going to throw my toys out of the pram over it. He’s Dover’s player.

“I’ve known Hess for about 40 years and there be might another player who we can help each other out with.

“George came here, trained hard and banged in the goals, which helped us. And for Dover, it’s worked out exactly how you’d want it to when you send a player out on loan.”

Omari Hibbert made his first start in Nikaj’s absence as Ashford drew 1-1 with Isthmian South East promotion rivals Whitehawk at Homelands last Saturday.

The Nuts & Bolts, who led through returning midfielder Jarred Trespaderne, also welcomed back Johan ter Horst after more than two months out with a hamstring injury.

Warrilow said: “Jo came on and did really well. He gives us another dimension because he’s such a worker and he chases balls in behind.

“He’s been out a long time. We knew he wasn’t a million miles away but it’s his decision to start training. That’s the way we wanted it to be.

“We’re not going to kill him, we’ll look to use him and bleed him in the right way.

“Omari had a solid debut. He’s different to George, he’s 32, he’s experienced and big and strong, he just needs games to get match-fit.”

It’s second versus third at Maidstone Road this weekend as Chatham host Ashford.

The sides are locked on 24 points, with only one defeat apiece, and it has all the makings of a cracking game.

“Everyone knows what’s going on at Chatham and I’m really happy for them because they’re a good club, with good people and a fantastic set-up,” said Warrilow.

“Kev (manager/chairman Kevin Hake) has done a really good job, bringing in quality players, and it’s no surprise to me to see them up there.

“I’m hoping it’ll be a good, competitive game, in front of a big crowd.

“I’m not going to try and get the boys to play any different.

“We’re going there to win but one thing we’ve stressed this season is we haven’t got to win every game.

“We always set up to win but at the same time, in the past, my teams have gone gung-ho to win games and have ended up getting caught.

“We’ve tried to eradicate that and be better-organised defensively, without the ball, and we have been.

“You probably have the ball for four or five minutes during a game so what you do without it is a massive part of the game, and it starts from the front.”

Ashford host Beckenham on Tuesday (7.45pm).