Riley Court has made great strides since making his debut for hometown club Maidstone as a 17-year-old.
Court, now 19, looks back on his early days in a Stones shirt knowing he’s improved hugely.
He puts his development down to manager George Elokobi and assistant boss Craig Fagan.
Midfielder Court, who’s started the last three games, said: “I’ve just got to keep listening to Craig and the gaffer.
“We all want to play for our hometown club, with a great fanbase, so it’s good.
“I couldn’t even tell you how much I’ve improved.
“I look back and when I used to think I was a player, I wasn’t. I’ve improved so much, thanks to those two, but I’ve still got so much more to learn.”
Pinpointing where he’s improved, Court added: “Realising where you need to be in certain areas, at certain times of the game, and thinking two steps ahead, not just getting the ball and thinking what you’re doing then.
“It’s just a bit more of a mature performance, so I’m not just running everywhere.”
While his runs are now made with a purpose, the work ethic that endeared Court to Maidstone fans remains true.
The former Chelsea academy player is blessed with a great engine.
“The work rate is still there,” said Court.
“My fitness has always been natural, I’ve never really had to train hard for it, it’s always been there.
“I’ve always run my heart out in football - that’s my No.1 rule. It takes you a long way, even if you’re having a bad game.”
Court was part of an outstanding team performance as Maidstone won 2-0 at Torquay in the FA Trophy a fortnight ago.
The Stones have lost back-to-back National League South games since then, although Court emerged with credit from Elokobi after a 3-1 defeat at Dorking on Saturday.
United went on to lose 2-1 at
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