Folkestone have been boosted by the news that Johan ter Horst will not require knee surgery.

The striker had a scan this week and the results came back good to the delight of manager Neil Cugley.

But ter Horst, who rejoined the club from Maidstone last season, may still be used sparingly for the rest of pre-season.

Cugley said: "It was the news we wanted. He doesn't need an operation or anything - he needs a bit of strengthening work on an area of his knee but he can do that himself.

"We've just got to be careful with him the next couple of weeks so I'm sure he'll be raring to go come the first game of the season.

"He's been a bit unlucky with injuries so hopefully, for his sake, he can get going and play the full season. He's a class player and he could be very important to us."

Cugley hopes ter Horst will be one of five forwards in his squad when Folkestone kick off their Bostik Premier campaign at home to Enfield on August 11.

In addition to Ade Yusuff, Ian Draycott and summer signing Alfie Paxman, he may have competition from another new arrival.

Cugley is due to speak to the player tomorrow (Tuesday) after missing out on former Hythe striker Jerson dos Santos.

"It was a bit too far for him," Cugley explained. "Players want good money if they're going to spend that much time on the road.

"There was no problem. He's a good lad and he's finished up at Carshalton because he lives that way.

"Travelling down to us, it's always difficult and that's why I can't always get the players I want but you have to take that on the chin and move on.

"The only other way you can do it is maybe train closer to London like Margate and Dover.

"But while I'm manager, we'll stay where we are and still be a Folkestone club. I don't think we'll change, not at the moment anyway."