Sittingbourne manager Ryan Maxwell on the return of crowd favourite Troy Howard on loan from Billericay and arrival of prolific striker Michael Salako

Sittingbourne manager Ryan Maxwell is adamant returning winger Troy Howard still has what it takes to play higher.

Howard scored 15 goals and registered 16 assists last season as the Brickies reached the Isthmian South East play-off final and FA Trophy quarter-finals.

His form earned a move to Billericay but he’s rejoined his old club on a month’s loan after finding opportunities limited at the Isthmian Premier outfit.

Maxwell is delighted to have him back, naming him in the starting XI for Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Erith Town.

But he also expects him to push on again.

“We know how devastating Troy is,” said Maxwell. “I can’t wait to get him up to speed.

“I think we were the only club he wanted to go to, so it made it simple from our point of view.

“I wanted to bring him back as soon as I heard he’d be available.

“We had one conversation, which maybe took 30 seconds.

“He was keen to come back, he classes it as home.

“Troy’s a young man who I’m very fond of, I look after him as best I can, he did incredibly well last season and we want to give him a platform to showcase what he’s all about again.

“He’s exciting, he gets bums off seats, I think the fans are even happier than I am.

“He’s a joy to have and a joy to watch.

“There’s no doubt about it that Troy is not only good enough to play Isthmian Premier but also Step 2.

“I’ve seen him run by full-backs at Step 1 level.

“He gave Aldershot and Southend a tough time in the Trophy last season and he’s been on the radar of a number of clubs.

“It hasn’t worked out at Billericay for whatever reason but it’s not down to Troy’s ability.

“He’s played extremely well against teams in Step 3, Step 2 and Step 1.

“There’s no doubt he will get back and beyond Step 3.”

There was a debut