Jamie Coyle is ready to return for Maidstone’s National League South play-off bid.

Key man Coyle has been sorely missed in defence since suffering medial knee ligament damage at the end of February.

Manager Jay Saunders had ruled him out for the season, so his comeback is a huge boost.

He resumed training this week and is set to feature in the final league game at home to Bishop’s Stortford on Saturday (3pm).

If he comes through that, the centre-half looks certain to play in the away leg of the play-offs at Truro on Wednesday night.

Maidstone have leaked goals in his absence but there’s been no pressure to return early.

Coyle, 32, said: “I’ve never been out for more than two or three weeks with an injury.

“I’ve been so frustrated that I’ve wanted to get back as quickly as possible anyway. I never thought it would have taken this long but it has.

“I was quietly confident I’d get back. I’ve done so much work with the club physios and external physios. It’s been three or four sessions a week in terms of rehab, which has aided my recovery.

“I was always hopeful I’d make the play-offs but you never know until you test the knee, so it was great to get through training on Tuesday with no reaction. If I play a part on Saturday it will give me a chance to get some match fitness and get prepared for Wednesday night, if required.”