Faversham Town boss Ray Turner has backed keeper Rob French to fill the ‘big shoes’ left by the loss of Simon Overland to injury.

Overland suffered a fractured tibia in a freak accident as he rushed from his area to hack clear a through-ball 12 minutes into Saturday’s 3-0 derby victory over Sittingbourne – a win which kept the Lilywhites top of Ryman League, Division 1 South.

Turner fears the reigning Supporters’ Player of the Year will miss the remainder of the season but says he has faith in French, who has endured torrid spells with Whitstable, Herne Bay and Folkestone since leaving Salters Lane for a fresh challenge in 2012.

Turner said: “It was not that long ago that league clubs were looking at Rob but I’m sure he’ll be the first to admit he’s let himself down the past couple of years.

“He’s had spells at other teams but Faversham is his club – he’s a local boy. I’ve coached him here since he was probably six and I know him well.

“This is an opportunity for him to get his career back on track. In the position we’re in, I can’t afford to have someone who won’t do a good job.

“He is 24 now and it’s time for him to step up. He is talented but he has got to prove himself – he’s got plenty of games in which to do it.

“I have every confidence in him. Simon’s are big shoes to fill but I am more than happy to have Rob as my goalkeeper for the rest of the season.”

Turner added: “Simon has been in imperious form and it’s a key position for us – he’s been hugely important to us over the past couple of years.

“Fate has dealt us a blow, although we had Rob on the bench which we’ve probably only done four times all season as we tend to go without a second keeper.

“I didn’t even think about a broken leg when he went down. I thought maybe it would have been his knee. I’m not even sure there was contact with a player but you could hear a noise as it happened.

“Simon’s devastated but the club will do all we can to support him through his rehabilitation.”

Town visit Herne Bay on New Year’s Day (3pm) seeking to stay two points clear at the top, although Turner warned: “With the form the top three are all showing, it looks like we’re going to have to win every game. Even a draw can see you drop away.

“Herne Bay are going to be motivated after four straight losses and having us coming to them sat top. They are going to come firing out at us.”