Tonbridge boss Steve McKimm insists Billy Medlock will go with his blessing if the striker decides to make a permanent move to Sutton United.

Medlock has joined the Vanarama Conference South club on loan and after rejecting a contract offer at Longmead, he’s free to leave Angels if he chooses.

The 22-year-old has scored 13 goals since McKimm brought him to Tonbridge from Eastbourne Town, who were relegated to the Sussex League last season.

Now he’s set to train full-time with Sutton, the club McKimm left in the summer to succeed Tommy Warrilow as Angels manager.

McKimm said: “I’d like to have him back so he can score more goals for us and if he signs for them, I’ll have to look for another striker. But you want players to play at the best level they can and I’ve given him that opportunity.

“Billy decided not to sign a contract with us and that’s his prerogative. We made him a good offer, for this year and next but he wants to play at a higher level."

McKimm added: “He’s on loan to see if he can do it consistently at that level and to see if he can cope with the demands of Conference South football and the travelling.

“If a player’s got a chance to play at a higher level, why should I stand in his way?”

Tonbridge host Billericay in the Ryman League, Premier Division on Saturday.