Injured goalkeeper Harley Earle is on the road to recovery following surgery.

Earle, on loan at Sittingbourne from Maidstone, broke his cheekbone, nose and eye socket in the Brickies' 1-0 win at Faversham a fortnight ago.

He's had a metal plate inserted into the right side of his face and it's now a case of taking it easy.

Bourne will offer any support he needs and manager Ryan Maxwell would love to see him back at Woodstock next season if the opportunity arises.

“He turned up on Saturday with his family to say hello,” said Maxwell.

“He looked remarkably well for a guy who’s had the operation he has.

“The early signs are very good and he was actually talking a little bit.

“The boys were over the moon to see him and I certainly was.

“It’s not going to be an overnight recovery from an injury like that but he comes from good stock and he’ll be back better for it.

“He’s had a plate inserted in the right side of his face, which I’m guessing will have to stay in for life.

“It was an awkward operation where they went in through the mouth, so I wouldn’t have thought it would be coming out.

“He can’t do any exercise for at least six weeks, to allow the plate to set, so I’ve told him to enjoy his summer.

“I’m always on the end of the phone if he ever needs a chat because injuries are tough mentally, as we all know.

“Everyone’s shown their support and that support’s not going to go away. At the same time, I’m very respectful that he’s Maidstone’s player and we won’t overstep the mark.

“We’ve got to let Maidstone treat him as their player. We’re the support network as the team he was loaned to.

“It’s for Harley and Maidstone to have their own conversation but I’d have him back in a heartbeat next season if the opportunity presents itself.

“He’ll not be affected by what’s happened to him.

“You get to know players and he’s not going to be put off. He’s got the heart of a lion.

“Where he’s a small keeper, he’s probably had to be a bit braver than other keepers to look after himself. He won’t lose that and you wouldn’t want him to. It’s one of his assets.”

Sittingbourne eased any relegation play-off fears with a 3-1 home win in against VCD on Tuesday night.

Captain Joe Ellul cancelled out Soul Kader's opener, with Correy Davidson and Dwade James scoring in the last five minutes as the Brickies climbed to 12th.

They had young reserve Alfie Rogers in goal after being refused permission to sign emergency cover for Earle.

Bourne visit East Grinstead on Saturday and host Corinthian on Easter Monday (both 3pm).

Sittingbourne are raising money to help Earle, with the keeper unable to work following his injury. To donate, click here