Dover Athletic's veteran midfielder Nicky Southall is set to be offered a new contract.

The 38-year-old scored the winning goal against Welling on Monday to put them on the verge of securing a Blue Square South play-off place.

Manager Andy Hessenthaler believes Southall can play a major role if they are promoted to the Blue Square Premier next season.

He told BBC Radio Kent: "He's been amazing, he's been different class."

Hessenthaler and Southall first teamed up at Gillingham in the late 1990s, with the duo playing in the play-off finals of 1999 and 2000.

Southall joined Dover on loan early last season before signing permanently when he was released by the Gills in 2009 having played more than 350 games for the Priestfield Stadium club.

He has yet to miss a league game for Dover, who have won the last seven games and will secure their Blue Square South play-off place if they beat already relegated Weymouth on Saturday.

He really has been different class all season Andy Hessenthaler

Hessenthaler added: "I knew he was fit, but I have to say he's been tremendous. He's come out of the pro game, he now works daily with a full time job and plays for us as well.

"With the amount of games we've had, midweek as well, he has amazed me. He really has been different class all season.

"We knew he had the quality but at 38 years old he's been terrific. We need quality players. Whatever happens, and we hope we get this promotion to make it three in a row, without a doubt we know he is capable of playing in that division (the Blue Square Premier) so there's a very good chance he will be with us again next season."

Meanwhile, on-loan duo Joe Tabiri and centre-half Daniel Leach have had their deals extended by parent club Barnet until the end of this season.

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