Returning Maidstone defender Jack Cawley earned big praise from caretaker boss George Elokobi at the weekend.

Cawley made his first Stones appearance since the start of October in Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Yeovil.

With Joe Ellul leaving for Sittingbourne, the former Bromley man saw his hard work rewarded with a start in United’s back three.

He’d spent a couple of months on loan at Braintree after losing his place but has impressed Elokobi with his determination to get back in.

“Jack is no different to any of the players registered under Maidstone United Football Club,” said Elokobi.

“Since we’ve come in as a management team, Jack has been exceptional in terms of his attitude and his character.

“He’s a leader and he’s giving absolutely 150% in training every day.

“He was hungry, he wanted to be part of it and I told him your time will come, just keep training.

“He does extras after training and as a management team you can only respect that and acknowledge what the player is trying to do.

“Does that mean he’s going to play every single week?

“No, because we have to make sure each and every player that represents us performs throughout the week.

"And if the boys don’t perform throughout the week, thinking they’ve done enough in the previous game, then there is a problem.

“So we have to make sure everyone is 150% every single day when we go out to work but I must commemorate Jack.

“He’s passionate and he’s a leader and it’s fantastic to see him get the minutes he’s got.”

Cawley was taken off immediately after Yeovil’s 67th-minute equaliser and took his frustration out on the perimeter fencing.

But it was nothing against the player, as Christie Pattisson had been stripped and ready to come on well before Alex Fisher’s goal made it 1-1.

“We knew as a management team he probably wasn’t going to last the 90 minutes after so long out,” said Elokobi.

“We had that in the back of our minds but sometimes it might be the fine margin of cramping up and getting injured and we have to make the call.

“We did it with Sam Bone at Notts County. He didn’t want to come off that day but we had to take him off.

“Frustration, yes, it’s good to see that, as long as it’s not frustration with me because we’ll have it behind the scenes, me and him!

“We love Jack but it's not only Jack, it was good to see Hady Ghandour get some minutes, too.

“It’s important that every member of the squad knows they’ve got an opportunity.

“As long as we’re in charge, we’ll give everyone a fair crack, based on their performances in training.”