Former Maidstone midfielder Zihni Temelci has a new club in Turkey - but Hakan Hayrettin says the door is always open.

Boss Hayrettin is a big admirer of the 22-year-old who had a couple of spells with the Stones after making his debut in their FA Cup second-round tie at Blackpool in 2019.

Hayrettin feels his career in England would have taken off but for the Covid pandemic and would welcome him back at the Gallagher Stadium.

The Turkish-Cypriot player will be turning out for Kirsehir Belediyespor, who open their league campaign at Pazarspor this Sunday.

“Zihni’s signed for a team in the Turkish second division, which is a professional level, and good luck to him," said Hayrettin.

“I just think the Covid situation really affected him in different ways.

“He was living here away from his family and he kept having to isolate and that’s hard being in a room by yourself.

“I still keep in touch with him, I’ve got a lot of time for Zihni, he’s a good player.

“The door’s always open at Maidstone as long as I’m here.

“I’m sure he knows that. I rate him really highly.”

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