Sutton United boss Paul Doswell says he will keep a space in his squad for striker Bradley Woods-Garness.

The former England youth international and Chelsea junior is currently in custody awaiting trial in January on charges of witness intimidation.

His absence has been compounded by the surprise exit of midfielder Tom Davis, who revealed his departure via social networking website Twitter.

Davis has since been linked with a move Ryman Premier League big spenders Carshalton Athletic after Robins boss Paul Dipre admitted he was a player he admired.

“Tom is a good player and there will be lots of teams after him,” he said.

Doswell has moved swiftly to fill the void by signing up former Leyton Orient reserve team captain Harry Beautyman, who scored on his debut in Tuesday’s 4-1 win at Tonbridge Angels.

But the Gander Green Lane chief insists he will not be replacing Woods-Garness, who scored 17 goals last term, providing strike trio Craig Dundas, Craig Watkins and Leroy Griffiths, remain fit.

“Bradley knows he’s got our support and we hope to see him back sooner rather than later,” he said.

“I haven’t even thought about replacing him because a part of me would love to keep a place in the squad for him.

“We have the two Craigs and Leroy and providing they stay fit, that is how it will stay.”

Beautyman, 19, has signed on loan for the season and got his Sutton career off to the perfect start with the opener on Tuesday night.

Fola Orilonishe’s brace and an Anthony Riviere special ensured United bounced back from their opening day 5-0 mauling against Woking in style.

And Doswell, who takes his side to high-flying Basinstoke Town on Saturday, was delighted with the way his men returned to form from the weekend’s horror show.

“It couldn’t have gone more wrong at the weekend – it could have been 10 – but I never lost confidence in the ability of the players,” he said.

“We were up against it on Tuesday as Simon Downer has jarred his knee and Dundas had a fever, so it was a great performance from us.

“I would have taken two draws to start with, so to come away with three points from the first two games is very pleasing.

“I’ve been tracking Harry since he played against us for Hastings and I had to move quickly once I knew Tom was off. He has ability, but pro clubs want 6ft 2in midfielders now so we’ll give him a chance.”