Chris Lewington has tipped fellow Maidstone keeper Ravan Constable for a big future.

Lewington was back in goal for the first time since recovering from an ankle injury when Maidstone drew 2-2 at Dorking on Tuesday night.

Manager Hakan Hayrettin felt his experience could prove vital in a big game and so Constable, who’d played the previous five games, made way.

Lewington, 32, was happy to be back but made a point of praising his young team-mate.

He said: “I enjoy playing and it was nice to be back but I didn’t have any complaints at not being in the team because Ravan’s been playing well.

“In every squad I’ve been in, the goalkeepers’ union have looked out for each other.

“It’s a lonely position and when you make a mistake it’s highlighted even more.

“We’ve all been in that position and we know how it feels, so when you make a mistake you pick each other up.

“There was the mistake against Billericay but Ravan’s done really well.

“He’s a brilliant keeper who can go as high as he wants.

“I’ve actually never a keeper who can kick with two feet the way he can. He’s really good.

“It’s a pleasure working with him every day and long may it continue.”

Lewington doubled up as Maidstone’s goalkeeper coach last season but, with Jim Stannard on board, he’s been free to concentrate on playing.

He started the season as first choice but an ankle injury in training opened the door for Constable.

Lewington said: “Once you’ve got the shirt you’ve got to keep it so I’ve had to bide my time and when the chance comes, hopefully take it.

“There were a couple of moments I wasn’t happy with but it was my first game back in a month.

“I want to play, I’m here to play, the opportunity came up, so I’m not going to turn it down.”

Lewington made save after save after taking Jake Cole’s place midway through last season.

It’s not been like that this term with both he and Constable having no more than the odd save to make in most matches.

“I think we’ve defended well,” said Lewington.

“We’ve let in some sloppy goals but overall the defending has been really good.

“Between me and Ravan, we’ve not had much to do.

“My last game was Chelmsford and they’ve not had a shot bar the penalty they scored from.

"We’ve good characters here who want to win and work hard and I think you can see that. It’s all positive.”

Lewington’s experience won the day when Hayrettin was weighing up who to play in goal at Dorking.

The Stones boss said: “I spoke to Ravan and said I need to make a decision based on what I’ve seen and I went purely on experience.

“Chris has been a Football League player, he’s done fantastically well at the back end of last season for me and John.

“I think we needed his experience and that’s why I went for him.”

Read more: The latest sports news in Kent