Goalkeeper Max Crocombe hopes to extend his loan spell at Barnet after admitting playing against the Bees last term persuaded him to move on loan to The Hive.

The New Zealander has made five starts for Barnet since beginning a month-long switch from League Two rivals Oxford United.

That loan spell is up on Sunday, though, a day after Martin Allen’s side host York City in League Two.

Crocombe was initially signed on loan as cover for the suspended Jamie Stephens, himself deputising for Graham Stack.

But the 6ft 5in stopper has impressed between the sticks and, for the time being at least, has wrestled the metaphorical number one jersey from Stephens’ grasp.

Bees boss Allen says Stack will be sidelined by a hip flexor problem for another fortnight, at least, meaning cover will be needed for a while yet.

“Yes [I’d like to stay],” said Crocombe. “Like I say, I’ve been taken really good care of, it’s a good club; the fans get behind the players. Of course I’d like to stay.

“When it’s right to announce something, they will.

“I’m really enjoying my time here so I don’t see any reason why I wouldn’t want to continue.”

Crocombe is no stranger to The Hive.

He came with relegation-threatened Nuneaton Town last season and had not conceded in five games before John Akinde’s stunning volley flew past him into the top corner from the edge of the penalty area to settle an unremarkable contest.

Nuneaton were eventually relegated but facing Allen’s side left a lasting impression on the softly-spoken Kiwi.

He said: “To be honest, when I heard of Barnet’s interest a month ago it was very exciting for me because of how difficult it was to play here.”

Barnet had shut up shop by that stage last season and, much like Premier League champions Chelsea, were simply ticking off games en route to the title.

Crocombe, who has represented New Zealand at youth level, insists it is that kind of form the Bees must get back to in order to move away from the League Two relegation zone. “We need to recreate that form because we’ve been disappointed after the last two games (AFC Wimbledon and Accrington Stanley),” he explained. “We were unlucky at Plymouth.

“We need to recreate that form because it was the hardest game we have had by far.

“We just had our backs to the wall. And although we only conceded one goal in the 70th minute, it was a really difficult game and that made it even more appealing to come here.”

While Stack’s hip flexor issue has prevented the former Arsenal goalkeeper from leading training for Crocombe and Stephens, the 34-year-old has still been overseeing their sessions.

And Crocombe, 22, believes the experience of working with the former Premier League winner has been invaluable.

He said: “It’s been good. Graham is a really experienced goalkeeper and I played against him last season.

“Of course I’ve been aware of him. He’s got a lot of great information for me and they’ve both been very welcoming.

“Jamie and I push each other every day. Graham’s very good to have around the place.”