Maidstone want to extend Antony Papadopoulos’ loan from Crawley until the end of the season.

The midfielder has had a big impact since arriving at the Gallagher in September.

He scored for the second midweek running, another terrific strike, as the Stones beat Eastbourne 3-1 at the Gallagher Stadium on Tuesday night.

His loan expires in January but boss George Elokobi would love to keep him on board.

“It’s something we have to discuss as a football club,” said Elokobi.

“We’ll see what Crawley are going to do with him but he knows we want him here, there’s no secret in that.

“He’s enjoying his football, he’s developing in the structure, but we have to respect his parent club and whatever their decision is.

“If he’s out on loan, I’m sure they’ll be happy for him to carry on developing and getting the game time he needs to keep improving.

“He enjoys being here and if Crawley are happy with what they’re gaining, then I’m sure he will make that decision with them and also the answer as a club will be yes.

“We want to keep him here but it’s not in our hands just yet.

“He’s been a big part of what we’re doing since he’s been here and hopefully, at the end of the season, he goes back to Crawley a better player.

“But we have to take it one step at a time and make sure we follow the protocols as a football club.

“I’m sure those discussions will take place behind closed doors and then we can let everyone know what the outcome is.

“But, ultimately, that decision is between Papadopoulos, his representatives and Crawley Town Football Club.”

Greg Cundle and Sol Wanjau-Smith have arrived on loan in the past week and Elokobi isn’t ruling out further additions.

The club’s recruitment committee remain active and Elokobi says he has the backing of co-owners Terry Casey and Oliver Ash to strengthen.

“We’re still working incredibly hard to make sure we bring the right players to Maidstone United Football Club,” he said. “Sometimes it takes a little bit of time.

“It’s not that the finances aren’t there but we have to be patient and make sure it’s right for the budget because we want to keep this club sustainable.

“If the right player is available, our owners will be back myself and the management team, they will. They’ve always done that.

“But we don’t want to get it wrong because, when you do, it hits the budget and I am a manager that likes to stay within the budget.”

Maidstone host struggling St Albans City at the Gallagher this Saturday (3pm) and visit Aveley in a rearranged game on Monday (7.45pm).

City lost 6-3 to Aveley this week and Elokobi warned: “They are a wounded animal, we have to be on our A-game and make sure we put in an even better performance to get anything out of it.”