Ashford boss Danny Kedwell has tipped departing midfielder Jack Saunders to play in the Football League.

Saunders ended his loan spell in a sling after dislocating his shoulder in a 3-1 win over Erith Town on Saturday.

He’s been recalled by Dorking and, once recovered from the injury, Kedwell is backing the 19-year-old to build on the progress he’s made at Ashford.

“They’d called him back anyway, he’s going back in with the first team,” said Kedwell.

“He’s been brilliant. He’s a top, top young player.

“He’s got everything you want as a midfielder.

“I’ve also played him at right-back and he never moans, he gets on with it and he did well there.

“He’s a top boy, he wants to learn, he listens, he’s what you want from a player.

“He never moaned when he got dropped to the bench, he always came on and made an impact, so I’m not surprised Dorking called him back.

“It’s just a shame about his shoulder.

“He’ll have a good career. It’ll be down to Jack where he wants to go. He could go all the way. He could definitely play in the Football League. He’s got everything.

“He’s still learning the game but Jack’s one of them where you can play him anywhere and he’ll still play well.

“He’s so energetic, he’s good on the ball, he drives with it, and he chips in with goals.

“I’ve seen the improvement, 100%, in the time he’s been here and that’s just from playing games.

“I think he found it a little bit hard at the beginning playing men’s football but he adjusted very quickly.

“He’s going to have a good career.”

Ashford won 2-0 at Hythe on Boxing Day - Gary Lockyer and Tolu Jonah with the goals.

Victory over Erith followed, with Louis Collins scoring twice and James Dunne also on target.

The Nuts & Bolts drew 1-1 with leaders Sittingbourne on New Year’s Day - Mike West claiming an injury-time equaliser - and this Saturday (3pm) visit struggling Steyning Town.

There was another new face involved over Christmas with ex-Dartford winger Ryan Hayes joining on dual-registration from Punjab United.

Kedwell’s teenage son, Preston, has been playing on dual-registration for the Southern Counties East Premier Division club, who were happy to return the favour.

Hayes is set to be back with Punjab this weekend but made an impact in his short stint at Ashford.

“They haven’t got a game until January 4, so I was able to get Hayesy in, just to get the numbers up where we’ve got so many people out with injuries and suspension,” said Kedwell, whose side are eighth in the table.

“Playing two games in three days took its toll a bit in the end on Saturday but he’s so good on the ball, his deliveries are good and he knows the game.

“He’s very good and that’s why I asked for him because we were lacking a bit of quality on the ball with all the injuries we’ve got, so it was good to get him in.”

The arrival of Hayes, who’s in his late 30s, added to the collection of old heads in the Ashford ranks.

Kedwell, Matt Bodkin and Dean Beckwith - all 41 - played against Erith, while Craig Stone, James Dunne and Mike West are in their mid-30s.

“We’ve gone from the youngest team ever to the oldest team in the last few weeks,” said Kedwell, who had injured defender Barry Fuller running things on the touchline after Beckwith replaced Saunders midway through the first half.

“But it goes to show in the results, that experience helps.

“We know what we’re doing, we know how to win a game, we know went to press, when not to press, and there’s a lot more talking in the team.”

Ashford still have plenty of young players, with Collins among those catching the eye.

Kedwell, who laid on the forward’s two goals against Erith, said: “He’s been absolutely magnificent. He’s a handful.

“I know he’s only small but he’s a very clever player, so energetic.

“He’s a nuisance to play against.

“I always said to him at the beginning, the harder you work, the rewards will come.

“That comes by playing and me believing in him because Louis is just one of those players, you’ve got to believe in him.

“If you believe in a player like him, you get the best out of him and he’s showing how good he is.”