Daryl McMahon hopes the return to form and fitness of striker Aaron McLean can help Ebbsfleet’s season really take off.

McLean, 33, was left out at the end of last season and tore a quad muscle in July which kept him sidelined for weeks.

But after travelling to St George’s Park for rehabilitation, McLean returned to the Fleet side and on Monday scored his first goal since February in a 4-0 win over Margate.

McMahon said: "He’s been the player that we’ve missed a lot because he came back in pre-season in Portugal and every day he was outstanding.

"He got injured in the first session back here and he’s not had loads of training, three or four sessions, maybe a bit more than that.

"He did 60 minutes on Saturday and I was surprised how fit and sharp he was in the game. I took him off thinking of Monday to protect him so he didn’t do too much.

"We know the levels Mac can hit. As long as Mac’s fit and he’s positive and his mind’s clear, we’ve got a hell of a player."

McLean’s availability is particularly timely as club captain Danny Kedwell continues to nurse an ankle injury.

Stuart Lewis and Dean Rance (groin) are also doubts for the trip to Gosport on Saturday.

McMahon said: "I feel we’ll get stronger as we go along.

"I can use the excuses now but we had players that missed half of pre-season, players who came into the team at the start of the season who weren’t fit and spilled their guts for us.

"I knew that as they got fitter, performances would get better.

"We’re still missing some. Stuey had an injection on Friday and it normally takes a few days to settle down but hopefully by next week he should be back.

"Keds’ ankle is still swollen so we’ll have to see over the next few days.

"Marvin McCoy’s had glandular fever. The last two Saturdays he’s been struggling with energy levels but he’s put a shift in and you can see how good he’s going to be so we need him back as well."

But even with those players out, Fleet had too much quality for Margate and McMahon will want more of the same in Hampshire, with a trip to Chelmsford to follow on
Monday.

He said: "They’re all good players and I know what they can do. They’ll be in and out of form, injuries etc and you have to have good players to step in.

"It’s got to be competitive - and it is."