Maidstone United goalkeeper Ryan Sandford - on loan from Championship club Millwall - ruled out for months after dislocating shoulder

Maidstone goalkeeper Ryan Sandford’s season appears to be over.

Sandford suffered a dislocated shoulder in United’s National League game at Woking a week ago.

He is facing months on the sidelines following a scan to assess the damage.

Sandford, 23, had been in great form since rejoining the Stones on loan from Championship club Millwall, winning November’s player-of-the-month award with three-quarters of the vote.

He kept three sheets in six full appearances and Maidstone were 1-0 up at Woking at the time of his injury, a game they went on to lose 3-1.

Stones manager Hakan Hayrettin had been looking into extending Sandford’s loan, which was due to run out in January.

“I’m gutted for him,” said Hayrettin.

“He’s going to be out for a long time now - probably four or five months.

“He’s a player who’s come in and done ever so well for us.

“I’m disappointed but I’ll always be there if he needs me.

“I've said I’ll keep in touch. I’ve got a good relationship with him. He was brilliant for us - absolutely brilliant.”

Hayrettin will continue to use the loan market to help Maidstone as they bid to pull away from trouble in the National League.

The Stones, who are due at Dorking tomorrow, signed a second Millwall player at the end of last week in midfielder Sha’mar Lawson.

He made his debut in the 3-2 defeat by Altrincham on Saturday, and another new face is imminent.

“We felt we needed to get someone in midfield to strengthen that area, and we did that," said Hayrettin.

“It didn’t go to plan as expected on Saturday but he’s a very good player and you saw that.

“He’ll only add to what we’ve got.

“I’ve got good relationships and good connections with good clubs up and down the country and we’ve got one more player coming in this