Maidstone United have signed local lad Sam Bone - a player who recently returned from Ireland.

Bone, who operates in defence or midfield, was born in Malaysia but grew up in Maidstone.

He spent three years with Charlton's academy between the ages of 15 and 18 before taking a break from the game.

On resuming his career, Bone initially went to Ireland to train for three weeks but ended up staying for six years.

He played for the likes of Shamrock Rovers, Dundalk and St Patrick's, where he won the Irish FA Cup in 2021.

Returning to the county town, the 24-year-old had been training with the Stones under former boss Hakan Hayrettin and has now signed for the club.

Bone, who's developed an impressive Irish twang, told Stones TV: "It's time for me to come back now.

"I had a few offers in Ireland, that were interesting, but my heart was set on coming back and playing in England.

"I had some really good experiences and it's helped me grow as a player, it's helped grow my personality.

"I just want to keep learning now and take my game to the highest level I can possibly play at.

"I came in here about three weeks ago and when I got the call to say you're coming in, it was really exciting and I told my family and they were excited.

"I didn't want to get too excited because I didn't know how it would pan out but now that I've put pen to paper, I'm so happy.

"Everyone was delighted yesterday. We had the whole family round to celebrate, so I'm just really proud for them and excited to get going."

Meanwhile, caretaker boss George Elokobi has extended Ryan Galvin's loan from Sheffield Wednesday until the end of the season.

Maidstone go to Notts County in the FA Trophy Fourth Round on Sunday (3pm).