Manager Ian Hazel has challenged his strikers to fill the shoes of Charlie Ide, whose loan spell at Sutton United was cut short by Brentford.

Ide, who starred in Sutton's 4-0 win at Bognor Regis two weeks ago, played 90 minutes in both of Brentford's defeats at Nottingham Forest last week - in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy and League One.

The 18-year-old forward's place was taken by Eddie Akuamoah, 33, last Saturday, but Sutton lacked a serious goal threat in the 2-0 defeat at Bedford Town.

"Losing Charlie was a massive blow," said Hazel.

"We knew Brentford thought a lot of him, but it was still a bit of a shock to lose him.

"When they gave us the call on Monday we had to change our plans, so we gave Eddie a run out in Wednesday's friendly with AFC Wimbledon.

"Eddie was an excellent centre forward in his early days and it is still his favourite role.

"He looked good against the Dons, but it didn't work out for him on Saturday.

"We will learn a lesson from that. We have five strikers at the club, so we have options and I have told them this is their opportunity to make a name for themselves."

Richard Harris, Warren McBean, Ross Gaynor, Steve Douglas and Zak Graham are all vying for a start when Sutton host league leaders Histon on Saturday.

Hazel must decide whether to stick with one up front.

"The 4-5-1 formation worked a treat against Bognor Regis Town," said Hazel.

"The difference on Saturday was not that the tactics didn't work or that Eddie didn't fit. Performance levels all over the pitch were not as good."

Despite Saturday's defeat, Hazel is still relishing the opportunity to take on the Conference South pace-setters.

It will be Sutton's first home league game since beating Thurrock on October 7.

"We have played an awful lot of away games recently, so it will be a relief to play in front of a home crowd," said Hazel.

"These are the sorts of matches you want to play in as a footballer."

Influential midfielder Paul Honey is available again after recovering from surgery to remove his wisdom teeth.