WAY TO LIFT CONFIDENCE

Maidstone boss Jay Saunders wants Vas Karagiannis and Dumebi Dumaka to rediscover their confidence while out on loan in National South.

Winger Karagiannis has joined Margate with striker Dumaka going to Concord – both on one-month deals.

Stones made Karagiannis available for transfer a fortnight ago but with no takers, a loan move was the best option.

Saunders said: “Vas is a massive confidence player. He needs to be the main man in a side and have a free role but at our level I just don’t think we’re in the position to offer him that.

“You can get away with it at a lower level but in this league you need everyone working their socks off. That’s just how I felt about it.

“I was looking to try him on the left but Vas wasn’t comfortable with that, he wants to be cutting in from the right.

“He didn’t have the best pre-season, either and that helped make up my mind to make him available.

“You never know, if he goes to Margate, gets his confidence up and bangs in loads of goals then you probably have to look at it again.”

Dumaka’s goals helped Stones to promotion but he hasn’t started a game in the National League.

Saunders said: “Again, he didn’t have the best of pre-seasons and he’s another confidence player.

“I’m not saying he can’t be an offthe-bench player but he’s looked sluggish when he’s come on, so it’s best we get him some games.

“You’re either patient and go ‘do you know what, I can afford to give him 20 games to prove himself’ or you get him out playing so he can come back fit and ready.”

Saunders is also looking to get Jack Richards out on loan.

The 17-year-old has made the squad this season but is yet to feature.

Saunders said: “He’s been outstanding in training and when we played Leatherhead in a friendly last week, he was one of the best players on the pitch.

“I want him to get some men’s football but it’s making sure it’s the right club.”