Ebbsfleet United midfielder Billy Clifford has the freedom to express himself under manager Dennis Kutrieb

Midfielder Billy Clifford has praised Ebbsfleet boss Dennis Kutrieb for allowing him to play without fear.

The 30-year-old made his first National League start of the season and produced a man-of-the-match display in the 2-0 win over Aldershot on Tuesday night.

Clifford’s range of passing and ability to get himself out of tight situations by being brave on the ball stood out on the night, and he had the backing to go out and express himself.

“I’m a confident person anyway and that’s the strongest part of my game, being on the ball and trying to keep it,” explained Clifford.

“The manager gives you a lot of freedom to do that, he wants you to progress and drive with the ball and play forward.

“If you’ve got to go back to keep the ball and start again, fair enough. But he wants you to try and progress up the pitch and score as many goals as we can.

“You’ve got to give credit to the players around you for always being available. Everyone feels comfortable on the ball so it makes it a lot easier.

“I think it was my best performance. I think there’s more to come as I probably should have scored. I’ve got to work on arriving in the box and try to score a few more goals. There’s definitely more to come.”

Clifford looked right at home in the Fleet midfield. He got through 70 minutes before being replaced by the returning Craig Tanner.

“The main reason for coming here was the style of play, obviously, especially at home,” said former Havant midfielder Clifford. “To be fair to Aldershot, they try and play as well and that’s what made it such an entertaining game.

“Both teams weren’t sitting back and trying to defend, we were trying to score as many goals as possible and thankfully we came out on top.

“I’ve still got a few more