Alex Osborn is staying strictly neutral ahead of the clash between Ebbsfleet and Maidstone.

The winger joined Stones on loan for two months last week but still trains with parent club Fleet.

He isn’t allowed to play at Stonebridge Road on Saturday but will be in the crowd as National League South leaders Ebbsfleet take on sixth-placed Stones.

He’s confident Fleet boss Daryl McMahon and Stones manager Jay Saunders know enough about each other’s teams without asking for his advice.

Osborn said: “I don’t think Macca or Jay would ask me for inside information. They’re not like that.They know what’s going on without putting me on the spot.”

Ebbsfleet won 2-0 at the Gallagher Stadium in August. They were the better side that night but United have since settled into their new league, collecting 10 points from the last 12.

Osborn said: “I couldn’t pick a winner. Both teams will be up for it and the fans will be rocking. Talking to a few of the Maidstone players, they felt the first Ebbsfleet game came a bit early.

“They hadn’t gelled but they think this time it will be a better game. I can’t play but I’ll be in the crowd. I’ll just wear a normal tracksuit – I don’t want to turn up in my Ebbsfleet or Maidstone one!”