Midfielder Billy Clifford has praised Ebbsfleet boss Dennis Kutrieb for allowing him to play without fear.

The 30-year-old made his first National League start of the season and produced a man-of-the-match display in the 2-0 win over Aldershot on Tuesday night.

Clifford’s range of passing and ability to get himself out of tight situations by being brave on the ball stood out on the night, and he had the backing to go out and express himself.

“I’m a confident person anyway and that’s the strongest part of my game, being on the ball and trying to keep it,” explained Clifford.

“The manager gives you a lot of freedom to do that, he wants you to progress and drive with the ball and play forward.

“If you’ve got to go back to keep the ball and start again, fair enough. But he wants you to try and progress up the pitch and score as many goals as we can.

“You’ve got to give credit to the players around you for always being available. Everyone feels comfortable on the ball so it makes it a lot easier.

“I think it was my best performance. I think there’s more to come as I probably should have scored. I’ve got to work on arriving in the box and try to score a few more goals. There’s definitely more to come.”

Clifford looked right at home in the Fleet midfield. He got through 70 minutes before being replaced by the returning Craig Tanner.

“The main reason for coming here was the style of play, obviously, especially at home,” said former Havant midfielder Clifford. “To be fair to Aldershot, they try and play as well and that’s what made it such an entertaining game.

“Both teams weren’t sitting back and trying to defend, we were trying to score as many goals as possible and thankfully we came out on top.

“I’ve still got a few more levels to go fitness-wise. It’s frustrating not starting and playing but I’m at that age now where I understand it’s a long season and there’s plenty of games. When I’m called upon, I try to play to the best of my ability and do a job for the team.

“When you look across the board there’s a lot of competition for places. It’s good competition and you need that as players to really work for your shirt during the week and then when you get out there, you’ve got to perform.”

Clifford joined the Fleet halfway through last season and was able to integrate himself into the squad as they blitzed their way to the National League South title.

He knows the best is yet to come but was pleased to have that settling-in period at Stonebridge Road under his belt.

“It's always difficult when you join a team that is so dominant in the league,” added Clifford.

“I came into the team when realistically he could have kept the same team until the end of the season and we still would have won it, and quite comfortably.

“The manager was very honest from the get-go and said I’m more for next season and try and learn the ropes and his philosophies. It is very detailed, he’s probably the most detailed manager that I’ve worked for in terms of the patterns he wants.

“For me it was just trying to take on all the information that I could and enjoy it. It’s very rare that you come into a team and they’re expected to win - and they win. It was about getting to know the boys and the manager and getting myself ready for the National League.”