Crowd favourite Vas Karagiannis is back at Maidstone and desperate to help.

Karagiannis has been recalled from a prolific loan spell at Dulwich Hamlet and could be involved when Stones host fellow National League strugglers North Ferriby at the Gallagher on Saturday.

The winger enjoyed himself at Hamlet but is thrilled to be back after manager Jay Saunders cut short his two-month loan.

Karagiannis said: "I’ve missed it. Maidstone is where I’ve had my best time in England.

“I’ve missed the club, the people and the players. I’m really happy to be back and I hope things go well.

"I always believe in myself if I get a chance. I’m exactly the same player as when I left, the only thing now is I have the fitness to play.

“I don’t know when I’ll start playing – that’s the gaffer’s choice – but whenever it is, I’m going to show what I can do and help the team pick up points.”

The chance to play in front of the Gallagher crowd will give Karagiannis an extra lift and he’s confident he’ll be able to handle the National League.

He said: “The fans are special people. All the time I was away I was receiving nice messages from them. They’re different class, beautiful people.

“I’ve played in the Conference Premier with Welling so I don’t think it’s something new.

“For me, there’s not that much difference between Conference South and Conference Premier, probably a bit more organisation and effort but I’m ready to give my all."

Karagiannis scored nine goals in half a season to help Maidstone win promotion to the National League.

He was sent out on loan to Margate and then Dulwich after reporting back for pre-season unfit but Saunders feels the time is right to bring him back.

He said: “You know what you’re going to get with Vas. He wants to be positive, he wants to shoot on sight and put crosses in."

Read the full story in Friday's Kent Messenger