Carshalton Athletic boss Mark Butler says there will be no rush to replace star man Karl Murray after his departure for rivals Sutton United.

Murray switched to Gander Green Lane this week after delivering a man of the match display in Saturday’s 2-0 win at Tooting & Mitcham that came with goals from Paul Johnson and Byron Harrison.

Butler’s men hardly missed him as they dispatched Wealdstone 3-0 on Monday night to move seventh in the Ryman League Premier Division table after three straight wins.

But the Colston Avenue chief says he is in the market to bring in fresh faces, although he is prepared to wait to get the right man.

“We wish Karl all the best. Sutton played everything by the book and once it became apparent Karl wanted to go we couldn’t really stop him,” he said.

“The only arrangement we had was that he played for us on Saturday and put in a performance. He did exactly that and represented Carshalton with dignity.

“We are looking to bring someone in a little bit more than we otherwise would be, but unless a player is unattached it is unlikely we’ll have anyone in before the weekend.

“These things take time.”

Monday’s win, which came thanks to James Duncan, a Peter Dean own-goal and a Joel Ledgister volley, sees Carshalton riding the crest of a wave ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup trip to East Thurrock United.

But Butler, who revealed Paul Johnson may miss the weekend’s action with a groin strain, insists his men must keep their feet on the ground despite the recent run.

“The key is not to get carried away when we don’t get results and not get carried away when we do,” he added.

“We’ve been ticking along nicely. Our first target is to get to 50 points as quickly as we can. Do that and we’ll be up there.

“It will be a tough game this weekend, but we can park our league form to one side and enjoy an opportunity for individuals to earn the right to get some exposure.”

Carshalton’s next three games: Sept 25 East Thurrock Utd (FAC, a), 28 Cray Wanderers (a), Oct 2 Maidstone Utd (a).