Dartford manager Steve King praises midfielder Jack Jebb and his influence since Noor Husin joined Southend United

Dartford manager Steve King believes midfielder Jack Jebb has taken his game to another level.

The 26-year-old has played a big role in Dartford’s revival in National League South.

Since the departure of Noor Husin to Southend in January, he’s thrived with more responsibility on his shoulders.

King said: “Since Noor has gone I think he’s stepped up to the plate. He’s been outstanding.

“You’re just begging for a free-kick to be given outside the area because he’s capable of scoring.

“We’ve had chats, I’ve told him that he needs to step his game up which is what he’s done. He’s been outstanding in the last six to eight weeks, I think he’s been brilliant.”

When asked if there was a better midfielder technically in the division, King responded: “Technically, no, and I’ve seen him use his left foot a lot more now as well as his right.

“He’s practising really hard, after training he’s the last one out there doing 10, 20, 30 free-kicks on his own. We have to get him off there every Thursday.

“Credit to Jack, the way he’s playing I think he’s really stepped up and is carrying the fight. He can’t do any more than put balls on plates for people.

“The ball he put in for Kristian Campbell at the back post in the second half on Saturday was just begging to be headed in.

“He makes us tick, he gets on the ball and sprays it around. He’s a good lad as well, a nice person in the squad and he deserves all the credit.”

King, who takes his side to Hampton this Saturday, was hoping to add to his squad before Thursday’s transfer deadline.

Injuries have hit hard at the wrong time for Dartford, with George Porter (groin) the latest to join those on the sidelines.

King believes it makes Dartford’s ability to stay on the fringes of the title race