NEW goalkeeper Ryan Clarke will be drafted straight into Eastleigh’s side for Saturday’s intriguing National League showdown against the man who began the Spitfires’ fairytale rise up the football pyramid.

Clarke, signed from League One outfit AFC Wimbledon, will be the last line of defence against former Silverlake boss Paul Doswell’s newly-promoted Sutton United.

Where that leaves deposed No1 Ross Flitney and on-loan Arsenal youngster Ryan Huddart remains to be seen.

“Nothing’s black and white yet,” said Eastleigh boss Ronnie Moore. “Ryan's (Huddart) still here and I’ve got to sit down with him and Ross to see where we go from here.”

A former Bristol Rovers and Salisbury City keeper, Clarke’s finest hour came at Oxford United where he made 267 appearances, helping the Us back into the Football League after a four-year absence.

“It’s difficult for Ross, but when a quality player who’s had that many League games becomes available, you’ve got to grasp the opportunity or someone else will,” said Moore.

“It’s not about this moment, I’m looking further than today or tomorrow.

“We were looking for a number two keeper anyway because if Arsenal call the young lad back, we’re in trouble.

“By chance, the Ryan Clarke thing showed its head and we’ve acted on it."

Eastleigh have kept five clean sheets during a seven-match unbeaten run, taking them sixth in the table.

“People will say it’s hard on Ross, but football’s football,” said Moore.

“We’ve kept clean sheets but, no disrespect, Ross hasn’t had that many saves to make. We were rarely troubled at Forest Green or Macclesfield and I could have played in goal at Bromley!

“Ross is a proper professional, there's been no shouting or screaming. It'll all boil down to how he feels.

“I don’t want him to go. With him and Ryan we’d have the two best 'keepers you could have.

“But if you’ve been number one for a quite a while, you want to stay number one. The decision won’t be made by me, it’ll be made by Ross.

“Ryan’s the type of player that doesn’t become available that often and he’s not going to leave Wimbledon to come here as number two.

“But if he starts throwing goals in (things could change). Ross must decide if he’s up for the battle or if he wants to play.”

Meanwhile centre-back Ayo Obileye has been loaned to league rivals Dover. Some have questioned the wisdom of sending him to a direct rival, but Moore said: “It doesn’t bother me him going to Dover or wherever, I want him to play and come back nice and bright.”

Midfielder Andy Drury is ready to train tomorrow with his cut leg healing well, but Moore said: “Saturday's too early for him.”