Jack Richards has been challenged to step up to the plate at Maidstone this season.

Boss Jay Saunders feels the club's academy graduate has all the ability going - now he has to prove it.

Richards showed his potential at times last season, scoring the winner against Wrexham on his first start, but couldn't nail down a regular place.

He has Jamar Loza, Andre Coker and Blair Turgott for competition out wide and it's down to him to show he's ready for National League football.

Saunders said: "It's up to Jack. I've had a good chat with him.

"I've been honest with Jack and said I'm not going to look to bring anyone else in, there'll be opportunities for you.

"I think he can up his fitness and he's looking to do that.

"He's got ability. That's never been in doubt. It's just getting it out regularly.

"He's got all the ability in the world but it's make or break sometimes.

"You're in that year where you've got to break through.

"You're out of the academy, you've been out of it for a year and all of a sudden now you're in men's football."