Maidstone United goalkeeper Lenny Holden discusses his development as he continues to deputise for injured No.1 Nathan Harness

Goalkeeper Lenny Holden feels he’s come a long way during his time at Maidstone United.

Holden is set to continue in goal when the Stones host Dagenham & Redbridge at the Gallagher Stadium tonight.

He’s deputising for first-choice keeper Nathan Harness, who is recovering from concussion after landing awkwardly while claiming a cross against Weston last week.

Holden, 20, finished the Weston game in goal and made his second National League South start of the season as United were beaten by an injury-time penalty at Maidenhead on Saturday.

The former Leyton Orient youngster is in his second year at the Gallagher, serving as understudy to Alexis Andre Jr last season and now to Harness.

Limited game time comes with the territory as a No.2 goalkeeper but Holden has made big strides.

He said: “When I reflect on when I first came in, I definitely feel like I’ve matured in my decision-making, things like when we’re playing out from the back, deciding when to go long and when to play, and commanding my area.

“All in all, just my confidence and belief in myself and my all-round game, I think it’s come on miles, and I can only thank the staff at the club and the boys around me.

“They’ve been nothing but encouraging.

“There’s certain things you can only replicate so much in training, that you do need to be playing games to develop.

“But just being around the first-team environment, even the things you see on the bench, listening to little things, training with experienced men, you learn so much from that, and I definitely feel like I’ve come a long way.”

Harness suffered his second concussion injury this season in Maidstone’s 2-1 win over Weston, having been forced off early in a 1-1 draw against Torquay last August.

Holden came on