Maidstone manager Hakan Hayrettin is determined to get club captain George Elokobi on the pitch before the end of the season.

Elokobi returned from a groin injury in the Kent Senior Cup defeat at Tonbridge in February but hasn’t featured in the league since November, with Joe Ellul and George Fowler established in central defence.

He’s been an unused substitute in recent weeks and Hayrettin would love to be in a position to give the 36-year-old some minutes.

“It’s something I really want to do,” said the boss, who takes his National South title-chasers to Dartford on Easter Monday.

“When I came to the club, the first person I wanted to bring in was George Elokobi, with John Still’s blessing.

“George is fundamentally important to what we do at the football club.

“He’s a father figure, he’s a leader and I think he deserves respect for the way he’s handled himself being around the place when he was injured.

“He’s a true pro, a model pro and, if the time is right and I get the opportunity, I will get him on the pitch. For me, it’s important I do that.”

Hayrettin is keen to keep Elokobi, who is already on the academy coaching staff, at Maidstone next season.

He added: “I think the club could only benefit from having someone like George around.

“I’d love to have him around next season in some capacity. We’ll see. He’s coaching here anyway with the academy and is an inspiration to the young players.”