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More on KentOnline
Maidstone have signed Lebanon international striker Hady Ghandour on loan from Charlton.
Ghandour has joined on a 28-day deal and could make his debut at home to Dorking on Saturday.
United have played much of the season with winger Christie Pattisson as a makeshift centre-forward due to injury and fitness problems in attack.
Jack Barham has returned from a pre-season knee injury but boss Hakan Hayrettin remained keen to boost his options with United challenging at the top of National South.
Ghandour, who played for Lebanon in a World Cup qualifier against South Korea last month, has made one appearance for Charlton this season.
That came in a League Cup tie against AFC Wimbledon in August and the 21-year-old needs more football.
“He’s 6ft, he’s lively and he just wants to play,” said Hayrettin.
“He’s been out of the first-team squad at Charlton because of the signings they’ve made, he’s come back from international duty and he wants to see what he can do.
“He went to Charlton from Tooting & Mitcham, which is where I first knew him.
“I didn’t think he’d be available but I made an enquiry and was told he was.
“He’s learning his trade while he’s doing his trade and I’m happy to have him on board.”
Hayrettin is also hoping to sign a central defender before the Dorking match.
He played left-back Raphe Brown at centre-half in the 2-0 defeat by Eastbourne, with Joe Ellul out injured and Taylor Curran left on the bench.
“If I can bring in a defender, I will,” said Hayrettin. “I’m hoping to get something finalised this week.”
Hayrettin has urged Ellul to take his time coming back from a serious ankle injury.
Initially ruled out until well after Christmas, Ellul believes he can get back ahead of schedule.
But while Maidstone miss the big defender, Hayrettin is erring on the side of caution.
He said: “Joe’s in good spirits, his body is healing well and he thinks he’ll be back early.
“It’s been a blow having him out but I don’t want him to rush it and break down, because it was a serious injury.
“I’ll be led by the medical team and what they tell me.”
