Christie Pattisson says Maidstone players put Covid out of their minds on the football pitch.

Elite sport has been given the green light to continue despite new Tier 4 restrictions and the Stones are happy to play.

The club were hit by Covid for the first time a fortnight ago after a player tested positive, along with a member of the support staff.

Maidstone take their responsibilities seriously when it comes to combatting the virus but winger Pattisson accepts the show goes on.

“The whole country’s been affected,” he said.

“We’re just trying to get on with our jobs and be as safe as possible.

“When you get to the ground we’re just playing football, so it’s all out of our heads.

“When you’re back home you start thinking about it but not here when you’re on the pitch.

“I just hope things calm down and we can eventually get the fans back in.

“I’m desperate to play in front of the crowd here - Justin Amaluzor has told me all about it.”

Pattisson, a summer signing from Carshalton, made his comeback from injury as a second-half substitute in the 2-0 FA Trophy win against Poole last weekend.

He suffered a quad injury on his debut in Maidstone’s FA Cup victory at Hendon in October and did further damage attempting a comeback in the next round at Wimborne, a tie Maidstone lost on penalties.

But he looked bright against Poole and on another day would have had two assists, setting up good chances for Ibby Akanbi and Zihni Temelci, who hit the post.

There’s competition for places out wide but Pattisson will do everything he can to be in Hakan Hayrettin’s thoughts.

He said: “I started pre-season off well, I only missed one friendly, and then I did my quad in the first game of the season at Hendon.

“I came back too early and made it worse but now I’m back I want to keep myself fit and try and work my way back into the side.

“It was good to come on. I wanted that assist but we got the win and that’s the most important thing.

“It’s competitive out wide. You’ve got me, Luque, Justin and Charlie Seaman all fighting for the two winger spots.

“Competition is good, though, because everyone’s pushing each other.

“I’m enjoying it here. Everyone’s getting along well, it’s the best group of boys I’ve been with, everyone interacts with each other.

“We’ve got good players, technically gifted players, and I’m confident we’ll go on a good run. This place suits me well.”

With Maidstone’s Boxing Day game at Tonbridge postponed, Pattisson will be able to enjoy his Christmas dinner.

“You’re normally thinking about the game the next day,” he said. “You don’t want to do anything reckless.

“You’re trying to eat the right stuff, even though you might get carried away a little, and prepare for the game.”

Maidstone are next due in action at Eastbourne Borough on Monday.

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