Harley Earle will be ready if he gets the chance to start the National League South season as Maidstone’s goalkeeper.

Earle, 19, signed a new deal at the Gallagher Stadium this summer, fully expecting to be the club’s second-choice stopper.

But the Stones are still to sign a replacement for Yusuf Mersin and Tom Hadler, meaning Earle could line up against Slough next weekend.

“It wasn’t the original plan for me to be the No.1 but I’ve said to the gaffer George (Elokobi) if I get my opportunity I’m always going to try my best,” said Earle, who’s lived in Maidstone all his life.

“I’m not worried about the pressure. I just want to play.

“I’m 19, turning 20 next year, so even if I don’t play, I know my position.

“George has said, ‘Look, I want you to be the No.2 but if you’re good enough I’d like to play you at some point’.

“I’ve said I’ll carry on, I’ll work my backside off and give everything I’ve got.

“I’m not worried whether they bring anyone else in.

“I said that to George. I said I don’t care who you bring in, I’m still going to try and fight for the position.

“I’m not just here to say I’m part of the club, which is a big club in my eyes.

“If I get an opportunity, I’ll give everything I’ve got to keep improving and developing my game as a young keeper.

“I’m speaking to George quite often about the situation.

“He’s very polite, he’s a great manager and a great person.

“He’s been open and honest, and I like that.

“They’re going to bring someone in at some point but if they can’t find a replacement who’s better, or they can't get the one they’re looking for, then I’ve got to be ready, just in case.”

Earle gained valuable experience of men’s football on loan at Sittingbourne last season.

His time there was cut short when he suffered a broken cheekbone, eye socket and nose during the Brickies’ win at Faversham in March.

His injuries required surgery, leaving him unable to eat properly for a couple of months, but he’s now fully recovered.

Earle’s performances for Sittingbourne, where he excelled under Ryan Maxwell, made light of a perceived lack of height.

At just under 5ft11in, he’s on the small side for a keeper but that needn’t be an issue.

He knows he’ll be targeted by opposition teams but tries to turn that to his advantage.

“I’ve had it all my life,” said Earle.

“When I was younger, I was lucky to be at Fulham for a couple of years and they released me because of my height.

“When Hak (Hakan Hayrettin) was the gaffer here, my exact words to him were maybe I’m good because I am small and I am quick and I am agile. Maybe I’m good enough because I’m different.

“I was lucky enough to get a contract with him and I just think if you’re good enough, you’re good enough, it doesn’t matter about your height.

“I know teams will target me but I say this to everyone, they could have a 6ft striker but when I jump I’ve still got my wingspan above that.

“I’m not jumping with my head, I’ve got my arms above my head, so when I’m coming for a cross I’m not 5ft11in. With my wingspan, I’ve got to be at least 6ft4in or 6ft5in.

“No one gets that from the sidelines. They just think he’s small, so he’s not going to get there or he might get bullied.

“It is what it is. I’m quite resilient in that department and because I am small, I know teams are going to cross the ball, so I have to be on my game.

“I use it to my advantage because I know where the ball is going to go, it’s going to go on top of my head and teams are going to try and get bodies around me and make it difficult.”

Maidstone host Lewes in their final pre-season friendly on Saturday (3pm).

They lost 2-0 at Horsham last weekend but beat Folkestone 3-0 on Tuesday night.