Neil Cugley hailed Micheal Everitt's growing influence at Folkestone Invicta after the midfielder clocked up his 700th appearance for the club.

Everitt remains a key player for Folkestone as they bid to reach the Bostik Premier play-offs two years running.

But the 36-year-old has also become one of Cugley's trusted lieutenants and it's little wonder given his vast experience.

"It's tremendous," Cugley said. "Not only is it 700 games but he's improved with age, knowing how to play his position really well now.

"He's involved in the coaching side as well and he's been very good at that this year. I've got to give him a lot of credit with what we're trying to achieve at Folkestone.

"Mev's kept himself fit and he's been a very important part of this good run we've been on.

"It's an unsung role you play as a holding midfielder and he does it exceptionally well.

"He's a very competitive lad and he wants to do well. That's very important and I'm very lucky to have him.

"Him and Roland Edge are people I trust very highly and they have a big say in what I do now.

"Anybody that knows Micheal, he's unassuming, a good person and a credit to his family and with how he handles himself.

"Words are easy to say but I honestly mean them. I couldn't ask for a better person.

"He's more involved now. We speak more on the phone now to get things right for Folkestone and that means a lot."

Folkestone host play-off rivals Kingstonian on Saturday looking to bounce back from last weekend's 2-0 defeat at Brightlingsea with what would be an 11th straight home win in all competitions.

That's followed by a trip to second-placed Dorking Wanderers on February 2.

Cugley said: "Kingstonian and Dorking are the two clubs with the finances behind them to really have a go.

"They're two massive games against sides with well-known players.

"We're looking forward to it, especially at home.

"We were really poor up there, maybe the poorest we've played all season, so hopefully the players have something to prove."