Club captain Gavin Hoyte is on course to return for Maidstone before the end of the season.

Hoyte hasn’t featured since dislocating his shoulder in a Kent Senior Cup tie at Corinthian in November.

The right-back is closing in on a comeback and was even named on a seven-man bench for the Stones’ FA Trophy Quarter-Final defeat against Barnet a fortnight ago.

Maidstone are treading carefully with the 32-year-old, who is ahead of schedule in his recovery, but he’ll play some part in the final weeks of the National League season.

“Gav is progressing extremely well but we’ve got to ensure we’re ticking all the right boxes,” said caretaker manager George Elokobi, whose side host third-placed Woking at the Gallagher Stadium on Saturday (3pm).

“He’s training and he’s doing well. He’s ever so close to being back on the pitch but we have to be patient, we have to ensure he’s right and ready to go when called upon.

“He’s ahead of schedule but that’s why we have to be a little bit careful as well and not be hasty with our decision to bring him on the pitch. He’s patient. He understands.

“Everyone is going to have a part to play.

“You can see from his desire he’s hurting that he’s not been able to try and help the boys on the pitch.

“But behind the scenes he’s been tremendous in terms of helping and leading and trying to give the boys that support. You can only respect that.

“We all want the best for the future of this football club.

“Gav is a popular figure, he’s our club captain and it stays that way for now, definitely.”