Maidstone manager Harry Wheeler is confident Sean Shields will stay at the Gallagher.

Winger Shields is three weeks into a one-month loan from National League rivals Ebbsfleet.

He scored his first goal in Saturday's 1-1 FA Trophy draw at Woking and set up two as United won the replay 3-2 on Tuesday night.

His ability to run at defenders and put crosses in has given the Stones another dimension but his loan is up after the Boreham Wood game on December 29.

Maidstone are hopeful a deal can be done.

Stones boss Harry Wheeler said: "It's something we'd all like to do, I think Sean included.

"That was the idea, that he wanted to come permanently originally and we wanted him permanently.

"I think the owners would like him permanently, it's just you've got to balance the books and lighten it in certain areas to make that happen, but we'd all love to have him permanently and I know he wants to stay as well."

Wheeler worked with Shields at St Albans and Dagenham and knew he would be an asset.

He said: "I've never had a doubt about Sean.

"I brought Sean in because I've worked with him since he was 16, I know what he can do.

"End product, that's what Sean is, end product, all the time, and you'll see it on Saturday, you'll see it next week.

"Sean was excellent and he deserves the accolades the boys just gave him in there (after the FA Trophy win).