Young Maidstone striker Nathan Jeche has been on trial at Championship club QPR.

Stones boss George Elokobi gave permission for the 17-year-old to link up with the R’s, believing it would be good for his development.

He’s since made his first-team debut for Maidstone, impressing in substitute appearances against FC Halifax and Notts County.

Jeche, who scored an FA Youth Cup hat-trick this season, was outstanding against Notts as United hit back from 3-0 down before losing 5-2 in their final home game of the National League season.

He looks set to be in the squad again tomorrow (5.30pm) as Maidstone complete the campaign at Chesterfield, a match that’s been selected for live coverage on BT Sport.

“Nathan’s been at QPR having his trials,” said Elokobi.

“It was my decision to make sure I gave him that permission.

“I thought it would do him the world of good because he was developing ever so well.

“However, he’s always known he’s a part of us here.

“There’s still a lot of development to be done and I’ve always said to him this season your time will come, just keep being ready.

“I’m really hard on him, hard but fair, because it’s important for his development if he is going to make it and be part of us.

“He’s travelled a lot, he’s been on the bench on occasions, and hence why I made a decision to send Ezio Touray back to his parent club, Watford, to ensure I brought Nathan in and gave him a fair crack at it and a taste of what men’s football is all about.

“He’s doing ever so well but we have to keep our feet on the ground.

“There’s plenty of work to be done with young Nathan.

“He’s a great kid, he wants to learn, he’s always out here wanting to better himself.

“The moment he tries to get a bit lazy, I’ll let him know straight away.

“The same goes for the other players but it’s even better for him, because he’s very young, to have mentors or a coach like Craig (Fagan, assistant manager) who’s played in that position and has a wealth of experience to pass down to Nathan.

“The know-how of being a top professional is important.

“That’s the structure we’re creating at Maidstone United and that structure is going to be in place at the start of next season for players like Nathan, if he’s here, to flourish.”