Ashford United manager Danny Kedwell backs departing loanee Jack Saunders to reach the Football League

Ashford boss Danny Kedwell has tipped departing midfielder Jack Saunders to play in the Football League.

Saunders ended his loan spell in a sling after dislocating his shoulder in a 3-1 win over Erith Town on Saturday.

He’s been recalled by Dorking and, once recovered from the injury, Kedwell is backing the 19-year-old to build on the progress he’s made at Ashford.

“They’d called him back anyway, he’s going back in with the first team,” said Kedwell.

“He’s been brilliant. He’s a top, top young player.

“He’s got everything you want as a midfielder.

“I’ve also played him at right-back and he never moans, he gets on with it and he did well there.

“He’s a top boy, he wants to learn, he listens, he’s what you want from a player.

“He never moaned when he got dropped to the bench, he always came on and made an impact, so I’m not surprised Dorking called him back.

“It’s just a shame about his shoulder.

“He’ll have a good career. It’ll be down to Jack where he wants to go. He could go all the way. He could definitely play in the Football League. He’s got everything.

“He’s still learning the game but Jack’s one of them where you can play him anywhere and he’ll still play well.

“He’s so energetic, he’s good on the ball, he drives with it, and he chips in with goals.

“I’ve seen the improvement, 100%, in the time he’s been here and that’s just from playing games.

“I think he found it a little bit hard at the beginning playing men’s football but he adjusted very quickly.

“He’s going to have a good career.”

Ashford won 2-0 at Hythe on Boxing Day - Gary Lockyer and Tolu Jonah with the goals.

Victory over Erith followed, with Louis Collins scoring twice and James Dunne also on target.

The Nuts & Bolts drew 1-1 with leaders Sittingbourne