Sutton United boss Ernie Howe fears any injury to in-form striker Craig Dundas could scupper any chance his side has of Blue Square South survival.

The former Carshalton Athletic star bagged a brace in Saturday's 4-2 defeat at Fisher Athletic - which saw United slip back to the foot of the table - taking his tally to nine goals in 11 games.

Eastleigh's 23-year-old former Crystal Palace defender Karim El Salahi is expected to seal a loan switch to Gander Green Lane this week as Howe seeks to plug a defence that has leaked eight goals in the past two games.

But it is the so-far fruitless attempts to bring in more firepower that have given Howe his biggest headache.

"Craig has had a tremendous start, but everything he is getting he is half-creating himself. We need to get him more support," said Howe.

"We are very aware of the position we might be in if he gets injured. We need someone to take on the mantle and get more for us.

"I have been in for players and knocked back twice this week, which is frustrating but all I can do is keep trying.

"I think the fans appreciate it is difficult at this stage of the season."

Sutton capitulated in the second-half at Fisher despite Dundas giving them a first-minute lead and then levelling it up at 2-2.

Howe is believed to be lining up a swoop on AFC Wimbledon's £2,000-rated winger Robin Shroot, while hunting more experience for his squad.

"I think playing at this level has come a bit early for some of the younger players," he said.

"We have got to change things. I thought we had stopped leaking goals, but it seems to have started again because we are not defending well enough as a group."

Sutton host Newport County on Saturday, with Paul Honey set to return from suspension.