Christie Pattisson has revelled in the responsibility of leading the line at Maidstone.

When Jack Barham and Reece Grant suffered knee injuries in pre-season, it left Alfie Pavey as the club’s only recognised striker.

But with Pavey also still building his fitness after a serious injury at former club Barnet, it left manager Hakan Hayrettin with a problem.

His solution was to convert winger Pattisson into a striker and the ex-Carshalton man jumped at the chance.

He’s scored twice, laid on a couple of goals and given defenders plenty to think about in a solid spell up top for the National South high-fliers.

With Barham recovered, Grant closing in on a return and Pavey pushing for starts, Pattisson could soon find himself back in his natural role.

That said, there’s competition out wide, too, with Tushaun Walters and Jermaine McGlashan already behind Joan Luque and Roarie Deacon in the pecking order.

“I’ve enjoyed playing up front and we’ve been winning games,” said Pattisson.

“I’m a different player to Pavey, who was the only striker, and he’s been getting fit from his injury.

“Hak spoke to me and told me I’ve got all the ability to play on the left, on the right or up front and he trusted me to go down the middle.

“There’s some aspects I haven’t learnt yet but I trust myself and with Luque and Deacs either side of me, it’s made it easier to adapt and learn the system.

“Jack’s back and Reece is getting fit, so there’s a lot of competition, but that’s what you want.

“You want to push yourself, especially me playing out of position, and I’m up for the challenge. As long as I’m playing, I’m happy.

“I felt once I got going I’d be fine. I know my role, I’m able to do well and that’s what’s happened.

“It’s worked out well. As the games go on, I’ll continue to learn and I can see myself getting better.

"I played up front when I was younger, and I think Hak knew that, but obviously playing first-team football is completely different.”

Maidstone go into this weekend’s home game with Eastbourne looking to bounce back from their FA Cup third qualifying round exit against Dartford.

The 3-0 defeat by the National South leaders was United’s first loss this season.

“We’ve had a chat about about things and there’s no need to panic,” said Pattisson. “It’s one defeat.

"We’ve got a strong squad to bounce back and there’s enough quality to go into Saturday and get the win.

"It’s something we’ll learn from and move on. We’ve still got to play Dartford twice in the league.

"To be fair, until the first goal I’d say we were on top, they certainly weren’t outplaying us.

“They’re clearly a very good team but we kind of gave them their goals with three mistakes. That’s what cost us.”

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