Joan Luque will be an interested spectator when Maidstone go to Worthing in the National League South play-off semi-finals.

Luque remains a Worthing player but is out on loan at AFC Totton, who have their own play-off campaign to look forward to.

The Spaniard, who fired Maidstone to title glory two seasons ago, was back at the Gallagher on Wednesday to see his old club beat Aveley 2-1 in the eliminator match.

And he’ll be at Woodside Road tomorrow for the semi-finals.

“It’s tough because I’m a player for Worthing but I’ve got Maidstone in my heart,” said Luque.

“I’ll just come and watch and see what happens.

“There’s going to be a good crowd and it will be a good game because they play good football as well.

“It’s two different ways of playing football so it’s going to be a tough game for both sides.

“We got beat 4-0 at the Gallagher and we beat you 5-1 at home so it’s like, what’s it going to be this time?

“It has to be in between now. I don’t know what will happen but I’ll be watching.”

Winger Luque scored 20 goals and was named National League South player-of-the-season as Maidstone won the championship under Hakan Hayrettin in 2022.

He missed the last few matches after suffering a serious knee injury during a derby win at Dartford and never played for the club again, joining Worthing last summer after more than a year out.

His midweek trip to the Gallagher gave him a chance to visit a mural underneath the Genco Stand recognising his contribution to the club.

“It was amazing to see the pictures and everything,” said Luque.

“To see my name there - amazing.

“It’s a place I love. It’s a magical place that I miss and it’s good to see it rocking again.”

Luque, looking for regular football, joined AFC Totton on loan in January.

He’s rediscovered his form and fitness at the Hampshire club who look set to finish runners-up in Southern League Premier South.

Win the play-offs and they’ll be in National League South next season.

“I went out on loan because I needed to play regular football, not just coming off the bench or in and out of the team,” said Luque.

“I wanted a good run of games so that my knee felt normal, with no pain, and I’ve achieved that.

“I’ve been eight games now with no pain, no painkillers or anything, which is the main thing.

“I’ve got 10 goals and more than 10 assists overall which I didn’t expect for my first season back.

“To be in double figures for both, it’s good for myself and for my confidence for next year.

“I’ll see what’s coming and take it and embrace it.”