Johan ter Horst is aiming to be back in action before the end of the month.

Maidstone’s summer signing from Hull is ahead of schedule in his recovery from shoulder surgery - good news for boss Jay Saunders.

The striker has thrown himself into life at the Gallagher and can’t wait to show team-mates and supporters what he’s all about following the end of his Premier League dream.

Ter Horst, 22, said: “The shoulder is progressing really well.

“I was originally looking to be back around the start of September but I think it could be the last week of August.

“I feel really good. I’ve been joining in at training and doing all sorts of running so my fitness levels are up and I’m strengthening the shoulder at the gym.

“I’ve been to all the games. It’s frustrating watching because you just want to get out there.

“Joining a new team, you want to show the players that you can play football and you want to get stuck in but you can’t because you’re obviously injured still."

Ter Horst dislocated his shoulder scoring for Hull in an under-23s match against his boyhood club Charlton.

The Tigers took care of his operation before releasing the former Folkestone youngster after three years on Humberside.

Ter Horst, who never made a first-team appearance for Hull, said: “I scored a diving header at the Valley in my last game for Hull.

“I’m actually a lifelong Charlton fan and all my family were in the stand celebrating but I was on the floor rolling around trying to put my arm back in.

“Hull were good in that they sorted it out for me and I had the operation pretty much straight away.”

Saunders moved for Ter Horst following his release and the forward has no issue with dropping back into non-league.

He said: “Clubs were put off a bit by my shoulder injury but Maidstone have been good.

“Jay knew me and they’ve got me on a contract where I’m not earning a lot but once I’m back fit I get my full wages and it’s good for both parties.

“I fully appreciate that this is a good level.

“No one really classes academy football as proper football but I’ll be glad to get out and play men’s football again and have three points on the line.”