Maidstone United's former Crystal Palace youngster Jacob Mensah speaks about his move to the Gallagher Stadium

Jacob Mensah is determined to prove his worth at Maidstone after a challenging few months.

Mensah was manager Hakan Hayrettin’s man-of-the-match following a solid debut in central defence as the Stones drew 1-1 with FC Halifax last weekend.

He hadn’t played since being released by League 1 Morecambe at the end of last season but you’d never have known.

Mensah made four appearances for the Shrimps - not enough to earn a contract extension - and joined Maidstone last week after a period training at the Gallagher.

The 22-year-old hit the headlines three-and-a-half years ago when Premier League Crystal Palace signed him from Ramsgate.

He’s now looking to rebuild his career and help Maidstone push up the National League table.

“I’ve been training regularly and getting to know the boys,” said Mensah, who lives in Margate.

“It’s been tough since not getting a new contract at Morecambe, so I just needed to tick over and stay professional.

“The opportunity came up here with Hak and, next thing, I’ve signed and I’m playing.

“I just want to play at the end of the day and to get the opportunity at such a great club, with a great fanbase and a great bunch of lads, I’m happy with that.

“I take on any challenge head-first and to be able to have the opportunity to improve any team I go into is my sole aim.

“I hope we can get together and push in the right direction.

“Watching the Barnet game last week (4-3 defeat) there’s a few unlucky things happening but that always happens.

“Life’s unfair and so is football. You just need to push on in the right direction and work hard.”

Mensah broke into the Ramsgate team aged 16 under former Maidstone boss Jim Ward.

Another Stones old boy, Nick Davis, was in charge at Southwood when the youngster