Luke Coulson is determined to prove his critics wrong after leaving Barnet to join Ebbsfleet.

The 23-year-old earned a move to The Hive in January on the back of strong performances for Eastleigh in the National League and FA Cup.

But he only started four times for the Bees and didn’t once complete 90 minutes for the League 2 club.

Coulson said: "Having moved up to the League and it not working out for me and having to step back (into non-league), there were people at Barnet – their fans especially – who didn’t think I was good enough and doubted it.

"That was displayed in my amount of playing time and the fact they were willing to sell me again after six months.

"I still believe in myself and the gaffer (Daryl McMahon) does. Hopefully, the Ebbsfleet fans will get behind me and I can prove that I deserve to be playing higher. Hopefully, we do that at this club.

"The club can achieve massive amounts. I don’t think you can put a limit on it. That’s how ambitious the club are.

"You have to take a step-by-step approach, you don’t want to rush it and go back down but I’ve played in the Conference with Eastleigh and there’s no reason we can’t have a great campaign."

Coulson, who played with Andy Drury at Eastleigh, asked the midfielder’s opinion on Fleet before signing a two-year contract.

The former Manchester City youngster, who can play on the wing, centrally or at right-back, already seems happier for making the move.

Coulson said: "If your self-belief is strong enough, there’s nothing you can’t do.

"If people are constantly telling you you’re not good enough, especially the players, it’s a big thing, the way they treat you in a game and training.

"If you’re open and they decide to give it to someone else, that makes you think ‘oh’ whereas if everyone wants to give you the ball, it lifts you.

"I didn’t have the chance to showcase my quality at Barnet and my confidence did take a hit but the gaffer’s already instilled it back in me and I can’t wait to get going."