Sam Magri says being trusted by Ebbsfleet is helping get the best out of him.

The 23-year-old, who joined Fleet from Dover last summer, not only looks a talented defender but is comfortable with the ball at his feet.

Malta international Magri has spent most of the season at right-back but has also covered for injuries at centre-half and more recently been used at left-back by manager Daryl McMahon.

He's made more appearances than any other defender at the club this season and feels his game is coming on nicely in the red and white.

Magri said: "I just enjoy playing football so wherever the gaffer wants to put me, I’ll work hard and do what I can do. It’s good being versatile and he trusts me to do all three positions so it’s a good sign.

"He wants you to play your game and he trusts you to do things in risky areas. To have the trust of your manager gives you a lot of confidence.

"I’m the fittest I’ve ever been. The whole team, including me, wasn’t at its best in the FA Trophy games (Ebbsfleet were knocked out by Warrington) but I think it’s going really well for me and hopefully now we can push on and get into the play-offs.

"It’s my third year in this league. I’m 23 and everyone’s goal is to get into the Football League but I think we’ve got a good chance (of doing that here). We just need to kick on now.

"I signed for two years so my deal’s up at the end of next year. I’m really enjoying it here, the training, games and the way we’re playing. Hopefully now we can maintain this standard."

Fleet looked back to their best defensively on Saturday when they held title-chasing Aldershot to a goalless draw at The Rec. It was their first clean sheet in 10 games and Magri provided good balance on the left-hand side of a back four.

"It was a fight," he said. "We’ve been going long to Keds a bit too much so we had a chat in the week about playing a bit more and I think we played some really good stuff today. We got in good positions without getting the goal.

"Being a defender, it was really good to keep a clean sheet against a good team.

"It was a good result but we could have gone one better. We had a lot more clear-cut chances than them but hopefully the goals will come in the next few weeks.

"The gaffer was after a good performance. We know it was nowhere near good enough in the two Trophy games but we had a few chats in the week and produced a good performance at Aldershot.

"Everyone worked a lot harder. I don’t know why it didn’t happen in the Trophy games but we worked hard today, defended solidly and created some really good chances.

"If we can be at that level every week, we’ll be up there come the end of the season."