On-loan defender Kevin Berkoe is backing Maidstone to return to the National League at the first attempt.

Berkoe, who joined from Salford at the start of March, has been one of the bright sparks in a miserable season.

The former Oxford United youngster has impressed at both full-back and wing-back despite the Stones’ struggles, with their winless run up to 23 matches after losing 3-0 at FC Halifax last weekend.

Maidstone host second-placed Notts County in their final home game of the season this Saturday (3pm), an all-ticket match at the Gallagher Stadium.

Manager George Elokobi is busy planning for National League South following relegation and Berkoe expects them to shine.

“I think Maidstone will come back up next season,” said Berkoe, 21.

“There’s a good team here. When they do come back up they’ve got to maintain it and stay in the league. It’s a big thing to do that.

“At the moment, we’re relegated, so it’s all about next season and everyone doing their bit to come back up.”

London-based Berkoe’s Salford contract expires in the summer but the League 2 club have an option on him.

He’s surely a player who would interest Maidstone, on loan or as a free agent.

He’ll return to Salford after United’s final game of the season at Chesterfield next weekend, just in time for the League 2 play-offs, should the Ammies maintain their place in the top seven.

“My contract ends at the end of the season and Salford have got an option, so we’ll speak about that,” said Berkoe.

“I think we’ll get in the play-offs, so I’ll be going back and we’ll see what happens.

“The season finishes here at the end of April and League 2 finishes on May 7, so I’ll keep working hard. I’d love to be involved in the play-offs.

“As for next season, we’ll have to see what Salford have in mind but I’ve enjoyed my time here.

“The results haven’t gone our way, and no one likes losing, but I really have enjoyed it.

“Everyone passes on information, they know what I’ve got and that’s why they’re always on to me.

“It’s not harsh, it’s just tough love, trying to drill stuff.

“The gaffer was a full-back himself and he’s always telling me to get tight, go forward and positionally get myself right as well.

“I’m learning a lot and I’ve learnt a lot in the short time I’ve been here.”

Berkoe is spoilt for choice when it comes to seeking advice from ex-Premier League footballers.

He’s got Elokobi and assistant manager Craig Fagan at Maidstone and Manchester United’s Class of 92 owners back at Salford.

Berkoe said: “Salford’s a very good club to be around.

“You’re around ex-players who’ve played at the highest level.

“The Class of 92, Gary Neville and his boys, they pass on information and help you do your thing.

“Paul Scholes was in charge for a bit when Graham Alexander left and he was speaking to me quite a bit, and Ryan Giggs is around.

“It’s nice to get information and advice from them. They just say to enjoy your football, keep going, work hard, express yourself - that sort of stuff.”