Canvey Island manager Danny Heale says he is keen to sign Barnet striker George Sykes on a permanent basis after extending his loan deal for a further month but accepts he may miss out.

The 20-year-old, who is currently transfer listed by the Bees, will now remain with the Isthmian Premier Division side until March 14.

He has netted eight times in six starts and two substitute outings for Canvey since initially joining the club in January.

Asked if he would like to sign the forward on a full-time basis in the summer, Heale replied: “Without a doubt but if he carries on playing like this he will go on to play at a higher level.

“I would love to keep him but we will have to see how it pans out. George has aspirations of playing professional football but we are just delighted he is here and doing so well at the moment.”

Loan regulations mean players can spend a maximum of 93 days out on ‘emergency loan’ and Sykes has already spent 35 days with the Gulls.

Heale added: “As the season finishes at the end of April he leaves us a few days short [of the end of the season] if we go for that third month. We have got him for another few weeks though and I’ve spoken to his parents and they’ve both said he’s really happy here.”

Sykes previously endured a tough stint with Bishop’s Stortford in the Conference South earlier this season, scoring once in four starts whilst making ten appearances from the bench.

“I don’t think George received a fair crack at Bishop’s Stortford,” explained Heale.

“But I know the Bishop’s Stortford manager (Rod Stringer) and he said he was going to give him back to Barnet but it was not his fault because he had never really had an opportunity.”

Sykes has made eight appearances for parent club Barnet, scoring his only goal in the FA Trophy against Hayes & Yeading last term, and Heale is already a fan.

He enthused: “I have been massively impressed by his work-rate. He got two against Dulwich Hamlet and in the 93rd minute he had a shot and then ran the length of the pitch to win the tackle and get possession back.

“For someone of his size he is very mobile, he has got a great touch and is very good in the air.

“He’s come in and he is a lovely lad. He has brought into everything we’re trying to do here and obviously he has brought his goal-scoring boots with him.

“He is enjoying himself again so long may it continue.”