by Craig Tucker

Maidstone goalkeeper Charlie Mitten is playing with a metal plate in his arm.

Veteran Mitten, pictured, has been recalled after three months out with a broken arm and boss Jay Saunders believes the 38-year-old’s experience could prove crucial as the club look to win promotion.

He said: "I was playing well before I got injured so I hoped there’d be a chance of getting back in.

"It’s a bit painful around the wrist area but I’m 38 and have been playing with pain for 10 years."

Mitten has sympathy with Deren Ibrahim, who looked set to finish the season as the club’s No.1.

He said: "Del’s been great and has a long career ahead of him. He just needs to cut out the little errors and be Mr Consistent."

Mitten wants to play on next season and added: "It would be hard to go anywhere else after being at Maidstone. My calf tightened up a bit the other day - I’ve never had a problem with it before - and my missus mentioned again I should retire!

"Our little girl is due in five weeks. It will be all new to us and we’ll have to see how we go but I want to carry on playing."

Picture: Steve Terrell

Read the full Charlie Mitten interview in Friday's Kent Messenger.