Ebbsfleet keeper Jordan Holmes will miss the next two matches due to international duty.

Holmes has been called up by Australia under-23s for three games in China.

It means he misses the Fleet’s home game with Hartlepool on Saturday and - with the amount of travelling involved in mind - the trip to Stockport the following weekend.

Fleet boss Kevin Watson revealed that was the reason why Harry Palmer was left out against Notts County after he impressed between the sticks at Chorley and against Chesterfield.

With five loan players already on their books – the maximum you are allowed to field in any match – the Fleet boss didn’t want to run the risk of Palmer getting injured.

“Jordan came back in because he is going away for two games now so I couldn’t run the risk of Harry Palmer getting injured and then all of a sudden you are looking in the shop window,” said Watson.

“We’ve got enough loans already, which is five, so you don’t need Harry to play and get injured.

“Harry did brilliantly in the two games that he played; he was unfortunate not to play.

“But there’s always a reason why I leave people out, I will speak to them and give them the reasons that I’ve said to you and probably more.”

Former Bournemouth keeper Holmes, who had a trial in the summer at Plymouth, joined the Fleet in August.

The 20-year-old, who was born in Sydney, moved to England in 2013 to join the Cherries. He has represented Australia at under-20 and under-23 level.

Club captain Jack King came back from suspension against Notts County, Alfie Egan’s forward runs from midfield got him the nod ahead of Frankie Sutherland and Alex Lawless came in for the unavailable Albie Morgan.

The on-loan Charlton midfielder, who has extended his loan until the start of January, returns to the side against Hartlepool this weekend.

Watson explained: “Alfie Egan came in for Frankie as I felt he might run past the front a bit more than Frankie who plays it slightly differently.

“Alex did well but he felt a twinge in his hamstring so that’s the reason why he came off. Kingy is the club captain, he is a presence there and if he’s fit, I play him. He is important to us.”

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