By Steve Tervet

Grimsby Town midfielder Louie Soares has extended his loan spell at Ebbsfleet United.

The 27-year-old’s one-month deal with the Fleet was due to expire after Saturday’s trip to Tamworth.

But the Mariners announced on Thursday that he would remain with Liam Daish’s side and could play in their FA Cup first round clash at Carlisle United next weekend.

Soares started all four league games during his initial month at Stonebridge Road but Grimsby, not wanting their player to become cup-tied, did not allow Ebbsfleet to play him in their fourth qualifying round tie at Woking.

However, a 4-2 home defeat to Kidderminster ended their FA Cup aspirations and Soares is now free to represent Ebbsfleet at Brunton Park on November 3.

First, though, he returns to bolster the Fleet squad at Tamworth alongside fellow midfielder Ashley Carew, who was cup-tied for the Woking trip.

Manager Daish (pictured) is delighted to have the duo available again. He said: “We need the whole squad and Saturday proved that.

“We need a few options, different players with different attributes for different games. It’s important not to be predictable.”

Ebbsfleet travel to Staffordshire just one point off the foot of Blue Square Bet Premier.