Watch out Sutton town centre, Carshalton Athletic's players have been given permission to go out on the town on Thursday night as manager Dave Garland bids to boost team morale.

Garland called an emergency meeting after last week's league defeat at Staines Town, when he admits losing his temper with the squad.

He also stripped David Graves of the captaincy and handed it to new signing Adrian Toppin.

After Saturday's 1-0 FA Trophy defeat at home to Heybridge Swifts, the Robins players must have been expecting another backlash, but Garland was in the mood to spare the rod.

"I was angry after the Staines Town game because I thought the players didn't look interested," said Garland.

"On Saturday, our attitude was 100 per cent better and the team spirit looked good.

"Adrian Toppin came in as captain, played really well and led by example, which is what we needed.

"It was his idea to take the lads out for a drink and I am fully behind him. The more the players bond away from the pitch, the better they will play on it."

Eben Allen, the experienced centre forward signed from Walton & Hersham last week, was thrown straight into the starting line-up on Saturday.

Carshalton failed to create him any clear-cut chances, but Garland is confident that Allen will score, if given the right service.

The Robins manager is also happy that he will get 100 per cent committment from the striker, despite rumours that he was struggling to make it into training at Walton & Hersham.

"I don't know what happened down there and frankly, I don't care," said Garland.

"I think a lot of things had been going on behind the scenes and Eben just wanted to play football.

"He joined us for training on Thursday and I don't think it will be a problem with us.

"I just think Walton was a difficult place for him to get to, whereas Carshalton is a lot closer to where he works and lives.

"What I do know is that he is a confident goal-scorer who doesn't need five or six chances to find the net."

Craig Dundas, Allen's strike partner on Saturday, picked up his fifth booking of the season against Heybridge and will be suspended for Saturday's match at home to second-placed Ramsgate.

Defenders John Cartledge (groin) and Graves (shoulder) will be given late fitness tests.