Sutton United striker Stefan Payne completed his dream move to Premier League Fulham on Tuesday, but leaves boss Paul Doswell confident he has a ready-made replacement.

The 18-year-old has caught the eye with seven goals in nine games for the Gander Green Lane club after a summer switch from crisis Combined Counties League club Croydon FC.

The Cottagers paid an initial £25,000 for the Biggin Hill-based youngster and, with two guaranteed home friendlies with boss Roy Hodgson’s first team plus other add ons, it could see the final settlement rise to beyond £250,000.

Payne, now on-loan to Sutton until January, celebrated the deal by helping United into the second qualifying round of the FA Cup as he set up Matt Hann to score the opener in Tuesday night’s 3-2 extra-time triumph over Margate - eventually clinched by Sonny Cobbs’ late winner.

He had already scored in the original tie on Saturday that finished 2-2 and Doswell insists that while his firepower will be missed when quits the club at Christmas, fellow youngster Billy Dunn can step into his shoes.

“Stefan has got half a chance to make it as a professional. He has raw pace, strength and the right attitude. We’re absolutely delighted for him,” he said.

“If he doesn’t make it at Fulham, with the schooling he’ll get there he’ll get another chance lower down the pro level.

“He will be a loss, but in terms of pure talent Billy Dunn is as good, if not better. He is the best I’ve ever seen and could be the next one to push on.

“I’ve been critical in the past, but Stefan’s example - in particular, the way he has gone about his business - can show him what he could achieve.”

Doswell had urged Sutton fans to get behind his side after Saturday’s stalemate and they responded to cheer their team through a thrilling cup tie three days later.

United were trailing 2-1, until Danny Phillips’ controversial injury-time equaliser ultimately allowed Cobbs the chance to fire his side through.

“The ball seemed to hit Danny’s hand before he scored. It led to a Margate’s John Keister being sent off for protesting and if I’m honest I’d have been disappointed had the goal been allowed at the other end,” added Doswell.

“You get that bit of luck in cup football. We’ve been given a second chance because at 9.44pm on Tuesday we were out of it. A home tie with Uxbridge is a great opportunity to get through.”

Sutton’s next three games: Sept 19 Tonbridge Angels (a), 22 Dartford (h), 26 Uxbridge (FAC, h).