Maidstone United manager George Elokobi praises youngsters Sam Smith and Riley Court and stresses his commitment to youth

George Elokobi hailed his young players after their starring role in Maidstone’s opening-day victory.

Defender Sam Smith, 20, excelled on his first National League South start as Maidstone won 1-0 at St Albans on Saturday.

He was calm and assured in the back three and looked as though he’d been playing at the level for years.

Midfielder Riley Court, 18, joined the action as a first-half substitute for injured right-wing-back Charlie Seaman.

The teenager, who made his league breakthrough last season, impressed with an energetic display in an unfamiliar role.

Smith first played for Maidstone at under-23 level while Court came through the academy at his hometown club after being released by Premier League Chelsea.

Stones boss Elokobi is committed to giving youth a chance and believes the pair are special talents.

He said: “I’ve always said at Maidstone United there’s a pathway to the first team - and we mean that.

“Those performances from Sam Smith and Riley Court were very mature and the reason for that is because they do things right, so it’s all credit to the individuals.

“They leave no stone unturned.

“They want to learn, they listen, they try to ask questions and they just get on with it.

“Their work ethic is incredible and they’ve got unique technical footballing abilities.

“It’s for us, the management team, to be able to develop that and give them the freedom to go and perform.

“We know they are going to make mistakes. Is it going to be costly? It could be but you have to keep encouraging these players because we know at some stage they will get it.

“They have been with us for about a season and they’re not here for the numbers, they’re here because they deserve to be here and they add so much value to the squad.

“We