Veteran striker Paul Booth has committed himself to Folkestone for the rest of the season – and he wants to keep playing past his 40th birthday.

Booth joined Invicta on a non-contract basis from Kent rivals Maidstone in October, having helped the Stones win promotion, at Folkestone’s expense, last season.

And the 36-year-old’s superb goal return – nine in his last seven games – has been one of the main reasons for Folkestone’s recent surge up the table.

Booth’s form also attracted the attention of other clubs but he was happy to accept manager Neil Cugley’s contract offer at the Fullicks Stadium.

He said: "Since I’ve been scoring, I’ve had a few phone calls asking ‘what are you doing?’ and ‘do you fancy coming here?’

"There were a few clubs at the top end of our league, sniffing around and someone had put a seven-day approach in, so that prompted me and Cugs to have a chat.

"I didn’t want to use Folkestone as a stepping stone (to move on again). Cugs was the only one who really wanted me when I left Maidstone so I felt I owed him."

Booth turns 37 next month but he isn’t making any retirement plans.

He said: "I’d love to play until I’m 40. It would feel like a bit of an achievement but I’ve got to be lucky with injuries and see how it goes."

Read the full interview in the Folkestone & Hythe Express.