Sutton United defender Simon Downer reached a milestone in the yellow and gold last weekend with his assistant manager’s high praise ringing in his ears.

The 33-year-old made his 200th appearance for the club in United’s 2-0 FA Cup win at Bishop’s Stortford.

Downer first joined United in 2008, making only seven appearances before joining Rushden & Diamonds for one season.

He returned to the Lane in 2010 and, despite a brief stint at Maidenhead United when work curtailed his commitment to United, Downer began to rack up the appearances, and Stephens is hoping there will be many more to come.

FA Cup: Sutton United need a repeat performance, says Stephens

He said: “Simon is one of the best players that I have seen in my time at Sutton United. I don’t say that glibly, he stands out.

“The problem we have with Simon is keeping him fit and managing his body at his age.

“But he is a top footballer at this level, and I hope we get many more games out of him. It’s a fantastic achievement.”