New goalkeeper Grant Smith is determined to stop Maidstone fans talking about Lee Worgan.

Smith has the unenviable task of replacing Stones legend Worgan, who signed for Dover this week.

He's joined on loan from Lincoln City until the end of December and knows he has it all to do.

He was named National League goalkeeper-of-the-year after helping Boreham Wood to the play-off final last season, earning a move to Sincil Bank.

But filling the shoes of a man who won two promotions, numerous awards and played 247 consecutive league games is quite a challenge.

Smith, 24, said: "It’s a tough one replacing him. I’ve met the guy a lot of times, I speak over text to him every now and then.

"He’s a top guy and very good keeper.

"You’ve just got to look what things have been put on social media since he’s left.

"Everyone loves him, he’s a legend here, so it’ll be a tough task to fill his boots.

"If anything, it’s just something to motivate me more.

"I can’t come here and be average. If anything, my target now is to do better than him.

"In a way, I’ll know I’m doing well when nobody’s talking about Lee Worgan.

"That sounds brutal but that will show that I’m doing a good job."

Smith had been offered to Maidstone a week earlier and was the obvious replacement when Worgan asked to leave.

He said: "Obviously they wouldn’t let Worgs go until I was over the line.

"It was all a bit of a waiting game, a bit 50:50 whether it was going to happen but we got there.

"The gaffer had to turn me down about a week ago, when I was offered to him, and then as soon as this opportunity came up for Worgs, it gave me a chance to step in."

Smith was made available for loan after losing his place at Lincoln - despite boasting a good record.

An injury to first-choice Josh Vickers opened the door and he won five of his six games.

But when Vickers was fit, Smith made way.

He said: "I thought I was doing well but the manager pulled me before one game and said he was going with the other keeper, which was his decision and I’ve got to respect that.

"It is tough when you think you’re doing well, and he’s telling you you’re doing well, and yet you’re still dropped.

"It does deflate you but that’s something that’s got to make you mentally stronger and if you get through it then you’re better for it."

"That's always been the ambition, to play in the Football League, but it hasn't worked out so I'm back down here to try and play some games.

"What happens after December is out of my hands.

"I’m contracted to Lincoln so it will be down to them. I’d be happy to stay here for a longer period but my contract is at Lincoln so it all depends on what the manager there says."