Maidstone United manager Hakan Hayrettin on the signing of James Alabi

Maidstone boss Hakan Hayrettin has high hopes for latest signing James Alabi.

Alabi, who’s joined from Bromley, played the second half of the Stones’ goalless draw with Leyton Orient on Tuesday night.

The big striker won the National League with Orient three years ago and has also played for Chester and Tranmere, along with a loan spell at Dover four years ago.

The 27-year-old, who came through the youth ranks at Stoke, gives Maidstone another dimension in attack and fans liked what they saw of him in his first appearance.

“I’ve been speaking to James for a while, he’s a good lad who fits in well,” said Hayrettin.

“He’s got bags of experience, which we need, and he looked sharp when he came on.

“He’s been at a lot of big clubs, Chester, Tranmere, Leyton Orient, Bromley, and he needs to use his experience to help these guys out.

“Not that we lack experience, I circled names on the board the other day when I was going through formations and players, and I think 10 of the team have played in the National League.”

Alabi’s arrival adds to Hayrettin’s options in attack, with Jack Barham nearing a return from a toe injury, while Hady Ghandour has the bit between his teeth after turning his loan move from Charlton into a permanent deal.

“Barham’s had his boots on, which is good, it’s encouraging for him, and Hady’s been absolutely excellent,” said Hayrettin.

“He’s come back in peak condition but he’s got to maintain that.

“We’re all right up front, and we’ve got Christie Pattisson and Sol Wanjau-Smith, who can also play through the middle if we need them to.”

Wanjau-Smith, Maidstone’s summer signing from Hungerford, sat out the Orient friendly as a precaution after going over his knee at training.

He’s relocated from his home in