Ryan Hayes has taken Dartford’s squad rotation policy in his stride.

Hayes has been a permanent fixture on the right wing for Dartford since joining the club from Slade Green in 2005.

But with the likes of Luke Wanadio and new signing Tommy Murphy pushing for starting berths, Hayes has been in and out of the side.

Hayes admitted that his reaction to being left out this season is different to how he would have responded in his younger days.

“The gaffer (Tony Burman) has had a few words with me, so what he says goes,” said Hayes.

“A couple of years ago I would have had the right hump but this year we know everyone is going to be in and out so you have to take your chance.

“We’ve got a good squad. It’s not the biggest, so when we get a chance to rest players we rest them. Anyone is good enough to come in and do a job.”

Hayes marked his return to the starting line-up with a goal and an assist during an impressive display against East Thurrock last Saturday. His classy finish early in the second half was one of several excellent goals scored by the Darts.

“It was brilliant,” said Hayes, reflecting on Dartford’s finishing. “Tony says we have to be ruthless. We created lots of chances and luckily enough we put them away.

“We needed a reaction from the Ebbsfleet game, we started well and the early goal set us up."

Darts host Chelmsford in the FA Trophy this weekend and Hayes is looking forward to facing the Essex side for the third time this season.

“We want to get as far as we can in that competition,” he added.

“We’ve had a couple of good games with them but we’re at home so we’ll take the game to them.”