Ebbsfleet manager Daryl McMahon has stated that striker Darren McQueen wants to remain at the club long-term.

McQueen, who is on a season-long loan from Maldon, took his tally to 12 goals with a double in last Saturday’s home win over Gosport.

The Fleet boss is keen to make the move permanent in the summer – and says so is the player.

“He wants to be here as well, that’s the most important thing,” said McMahon.

“If you ask Darren if he wants to be at Ebbsfleet United, the resounding answer is yes.

“We will see (what happens). We’re only halfway through the season and he still needs to do it again in the second half of the season.”

When asked that if McQueen carries on his form then bigger clubs than Ebbsfleet could be interested in signing the forward, McMahon replied: “If he does, he does.

“There’s nothing we can do. If Darren goes and scores 20 goals in the second half of the season and we’re successful and he moves onto a higher level, then so be it."

McQueen will spearhead the Fleet attack at Dartford on Boxing Day (3pm), the first of a festive double header with the sides meeting again at Stonebridge Road on New Year’s Day.

Defender Mark Phillips, who returned from suspension last weekend but failed to make the bench, could feature at Princes Park.

Read the full story in Thursday's Gravesend Messenger.