George Elokobi says there’s no better man in the country than him to help Maidstone players deal with injuries.

Sol Wanjau-Smith made his first Stones start in Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Gateshead - a big day for the forward after an injury-plagued debut season at the Gallagher.

Caretaker boss Elokobi knows from painful experience the challenge of fighting back from long spells out.

He lost two seasons of his career to horror knee and ankle injuries while playing for Wolves and Bristol City, on loan from Molineux, respectively.

Elokobi was quick to sit down with Wanjau-Smith after taking charge and was delighted to include him in the starting XI after a couple of bright substitute appearances.

He was due to play 70 minutes but managed almost 90 before being caught on one of his troublesome knees.

“It’s brilliant to see him out there,” said Elokobi, who also introduced Raphe Brown from the bench after a year out with an ankle injury.

“He enjoyed it. At times he looks rusty but he’s been out for a long time.

“At the same time it’s good for him building up those minutes and it’s good for us to see as a football club.

“Since I came in I said we’ll take our time with you, there’s no pressure on you to come back too early and then break down.

“He had a very good game in my opinion for someone that’s been out so long and long may that continue for us.

“This is important for our group of players, especially the ones who suffer long-term injuries, that they’ve got someone in myself who’s been there in terms of having long-term injuries, some serious ones.

“I can pass on that wisdom and knowledge in how to come back from those injuries and I think you won’t find a better man in this country to pass this on to our players.

“I had a chat with Sol on the very first day I was asked to do this job.

“I sat him down, we had a good chat and he understood where I was coming from.

“He was really pleased about the plan we put in place for him because I told him the moment would come when you would be the one, it will be your time again, but no pressure.

“It’s credit to our medical team for how hard they worked with him and Raphe Brown. It was great to see him out there, too.”

Sam Corne will be the next player to benefit from Elokobi’s wisdom after being ruled out for the rest of the season.

The midfielder requires an operation on a knee injury sustained during the Stones’ FA Trophy win at Eastleigh a fortnight ago.

“Since I came in he’s been terrific for me, and not just for me, he’s been terrific for the group,” said Elokobi.

“He’s a leader amongst men. He goes to battle every Saturday and every Tuesday night and in training he does things right, so it’s a shame that Sam is out for the rest of the season.

“We’re going to make sure we look after him as a football club and ensure he’s back hopefully for pre-season."

Elokobi, meanwhile, says it’s one day at a time for Joan Luque as Maidstone’s Spanish winger closes in on a return.

Luque hasn’t played since suffering a serious knee injury at Dartford towards the end of last season.

He made the National South team of the year after scoring 20 goals from the left wing in United’s title triumph and has been sorely missed in the National League.

He’s been pictured training, fuelling hopes he will play some part before the season’s over.

“We take Luque one day at a time,” said Elokobi.

“He’s been working ever so hard to try and make a comeback but we need to make sure we listen to the medical advice and not run too far ahead of ourselves.

“He’s doing really well and it’s pleasing to see him out there doing stuff.

“He’s been joining in at training, a little bit in and out, but at the same time we need to make sure we aren’t rushing."