Maidstone boss George Elokobi has proved as good as his word after completing a new loan signing.

Elokobi said after Tuesday’s 1-0 National League South defeat by Aveley he was looking to strengthen his squad.

And last night United announced a deal for Canadian winger Michael Petrasso, a player once slapped by Swedish great Zlatan Ibrahimovic during an MLS game.

United have suffered injuries to key players Reiss Greenidge (hip), Gavin Hoyte (knee) and Sam Corne (ribs).

They’ve also had suspensions, with Bivesh Gurung and Razzaq Coleman De-Graft sent off in the opening weeks of the season.

The squad has been left light and on Tuesday night, Ogo Obi was the only experienced player on the bench.

“We will strengthen as we see fit,” said Elokobi, speaking shortly after full-time.

“We’re not just going to bring numbers in, we want to try and bring quality in.

“We’re looking. We’re always looking.

“It’s important our fans know that and hopefully we will strengthen some positions in the next couple of weeks.”

While actively looking to strengthen, Elokobi has faith in the club’s young players.

Perri Iandolo has made several substitute appearances and was on the bench along with Riley Court, Tyler Hatton and No.2 keeper Harley Earle against Aveley.

“I trust what we’re doing here,” said Elokobi.

“I didn’t have a problem bringing some of the youngsters in.

“It doesn’t matter how old they are, they’ve been training with the first team, they know the structure and they know what’s required of them.

“If they’re training with the first team, they are good enough to get on my bench and if they needed to come on, I would have put them on.”

Maidstone travel to Chippenham this Saturday (3pm) having seen their five-match unbeaten run ended by new league leaders Aveley.

The players had their say in the dressing room after conceding a bad goal from a cross - something Elokobi welcomes as the wait for a first clean sheet continues.

He said: “That’s the whole point of having an honest group, having that open conversation where they can try to help each other with information and give each other feedback.

“Positive and negative feedback, it all helps towards the direction we want to be heading in.

“We’re a new group, it’s not an excuse, and the players that were closest to the ball, they should have done better and they know that.

“They’ve had that conversation and players have put their hand up that they should have dealt with the situation earlier, and it’s good to see that.

“It doesn’t have to be addressed by the manager all the time.

“You want to keep clean sheets, especially when you’re playing at home.

“We had a conversation in there which was about, ‘If we don’t score, make sure they don’t score’.

“We need that clean sheet to build from.

“It’s down to the group that goes out and plays.

“It’s about the group that’s out there making sure they are organised at all times and don’t give cheap goals away.”