CONCORD Rangers stalwart Steve King says he is feeling fresher than ever after playing 90 minutes for Billericay Town on Tuesday night.

The Beach Boys defender, 32, turned out in the Ryman Premier League after he was contacted by Billericay with a view to playing against Folkestone Invicta.

King has struggled to break into the Concord first-team this season, with manager Adam Flanagan choosing to pair Marvin Ekpiteta and James White in central defence.

Billericay were beaten 1-0 in Kent on Tuesday, as a goal 10 minutes into the second-half saw Billericay lose their third game in four matches, but King said he feels as good as he ever has after completing the match.

“I felt fine afterwards,” said King, who has played 30 minutes in each of Concord’s last two league matches. “I have had long injuries and you need to prove you’re fit enough and when others are playing well you don’t get that chance.

“Flan (Flanagan) was a bit worried about starting me and not being able to last 90 minutes but I feel fresher than ever.

“Craig put in a seven day approach which Flan has to make me aware of. I haven’t been as involved as I have before and people have been in touch but Tuesday night was mutually beneficial for everyone.

“I could have gone for a period or permanently but I couldn’t have committed because of my shift pattern.

“I love Concord and I don’t want to leave unless I’m surplus to requirements. I have 50 games a year left in my legs.”

King didn’t rule out a move in the future and was full of praise for the youthful Billericay side he was part of, while also admitting he enjoyed playing under Craig Edwards.

“I still want to play as much as I can and at as high a level as possible,” he said. “It was encouraging for Billericay as there were a lot of young lads and we defended well and deserved to win in my opinion.

“Composure is important and they need that belief.

“I have known Craig for years and I really enjoyed playing for him and he and (assistant manager) Alex (Fiddes) spoke a lot of sense.

“I can see them being there or thereabouts this year and if not this season then next year with the investment they will be getting.”