Top scorer Steven Ita has told Nick Davis he wants to be at Sittingbourne next season.

Ita has nine goals and 12 assists since joining from Herne Bay in November, despite telling manager Davis he’s not even half-fit.

He’s played a key role in leading Brickies to safety in Ryman League Division 1 South and is ready to commit his future.

Davis said: “Steven loves it here and we’re pleased to have him.

“He’s assured us he wants to be here next season and he’ll be one of the first ones we’ll speak to.

“He’s a class act and has played a big part in turning our season around.

“To come in at the end of November and score nine goals and have 12 assists is fantastic.

“He creates as well as scores but he tells me he’s not even 50% fit. He reckons he’s carrying weight and says he doesn’t feel quick enough.

“He’s like Yaya Toure in that he has these bursts in games when he’s unplayable. He doesn’t do it for 90 minutes but there are six or seven instances in a game."

Brickies are away to Chipstead on Saturday, the side who beat them 6-1 in November.

Tom Carlse has work commitments, while Jordan Wells’ knee injury is set to rule him out of the last five games but Hicham Akhazzan is ready to return.