Maidstone will consider extending Alex Osborn’s loan deal from Ebbsfleet – but any agreement will depend on the winger’s fitness.

Osborn is due to return to the National South leaders this weekend having made six appearances for Stones over the last two months.

The 22-year-old has impressed during his time at the Gallagher Stadium, although he’s missed Maidstone’s last two games with a hamstring injury.

Stones boss Jay Saunders will speak to Ebbsfleet manager Daryl McMahon about possibly keeping Osborn for longer.

He said: “I had a chat with Daryl at the FA Youth Cup game and said it was something I was interested in, but that was getting on for a month ago so I said to Daryl we’ll have to have a chat nearer the time.

“Alex, with his hamstring injury, we need to look into that. If it’s something that means he’s going to be out for a little bit longer it’s something obviously that as a club we wouldn’t do, but Alex has been very good.

“He scored an important goal in the FA Cup for us and I think he’s done well."

Whether or not he does appear in a Stones shirt again, Osborn’s loan spell has been mutually beneficial.

He said: “It’s gone really well. I’ve really enjoyed the club, it’s a great bunch of lads, a great set of fans and it’s really like a family club. It would be a shame to leave Maidstone behind.”

Read the full story in the Kent Messenger.