Maidstone are hoping to have defender Jamie Coyle back for the play-offs in an unexpected boost.

Coyle has been out since the end of February with medial knee ligament damage and his season appeared to be over.

Just a fortnight ago manager Jay Saunders said he couldn't see him featuring again but the Stones player-coach is close to a comeback.

An injection has aided his recovery and he's likely to play a part in the final National South league game against Bishop's Stortford on Saturday.

If he comes through that, he'll be in contention for the play-offs.

Maidstone have conceded a number of poor goals in his absence, the latest in a 1-0 defeat at Whitehawk when the ball broke for David Ijaha on the edge of the box.

Saunders said: "It was disappointing because it was a similar goal to last week at Truro but that’s the way it is and that’s the way I’ve got to get used to it I suppose.

"We just can’t seem to keep a clean sheet and the quicker we can get Coyley back, the better.

"I’m hoping he’ll be involved next Saturday to give him a run-out.

"He’ll train this week and hopefully we can have him involved next Saturday because we need him. That’s the long and short of it.

"He’s been getting there slowly. He had an injection to help the healing a week ago, so he’s getting there."