New Sutton United stiker Andy Forbes has told boss Paul Doswell he wants to make his move to Gander Green Lane permanent.

The former Eastleigh frontman, who netted a debut strike in Saturday’s 3-1 FA Trophy triumph over Tooting & Mitcham, arrived at United from Woking last week with Elvis Hammond moving in the opposite direction.

Forbes, who signed a three-month loan deal, had come close to linking up with former manager Doswell in the summer but chose Kingfield instead after his eventual release from Silverlake Stadium.

But the United chief says that is in the past and is hoping a big impact from the versatile frontman can pave the way for him to stay with his Ryman Premier Division title chasers.

“We virtually had him in the summer, but Eastleigh decided they wanted to keep him before changing their minds again,” he said.

“By that time it was too late for us and he went to Woking. He is here on a three month loan and it is up to them what they want to do from there.

“He has already told me he wants to stay and when his loan finishes, we hope that can happen.

“Andy is also a decent centre-half, so with Jason retiring and Elvis leaving it kills two birds with one stone. He will play there if I want him to.

“I expect him to make a big impact on the team in his time here.”

Sutton earned an away FA Trophy trip to Evesham United having disposed of the Terrors in the first qualifying round at Gander Green Lane on Saturday.

Forbes’ opener plus strikes from Sam Page and fit-again Kennedy Adjei set them on their way, but Doswell admitted it was far from perfect.

“People forget we had eight very good chances and managed to score three of them,” he added.

“We didn’t play great, but at this level it is not for the lack of trying.

“There needs to be some perspective. If players produced the goods week-in-week-out, they wouldn’t be playing at this level.

“We are where we are and people have to accept that we are not going to be brilliant every week.”

Sutton’s next three games: Oct 23 Cray Wanderers (h), 26 Tonbridge Angels (h), 30 Evesham United (FAT, a).