Guardian Sport

Leyton Orient boss Russell Slade has real competition in his squad ahead of Colchester United game

By Matt Bass

2:50pm Friday 27th January 2012

Russell Slade could once again have some real competition for places in his Leyton Orient squad for tomorrow's visit of Colchester.

Slade will still be without Stephen Dawson as the skipper remains sidelined with an ankle injury but the news is more positive elsewhere on the pitch.

Ben Chorley is available again following a three-match suspension, while MK Dons loanee Adam Chicksen could also be fit for the last game of his loan spell.

Chorley featured in the reserve’s 3-2 victory over Spurs on Tuesday and while Chicksen missed the Preston trip with a groin injury, Slade revealed the defender could feature against Colchester.

Also in reserve action was custodian Jamie Jones as he continued his comeback from injury.

Jones was named among the substitutes at North End and could be included again, but there will be no Lee Cook after the winger’s loan spell came to an end last weekend.

Marc Laird netted his first Orient goal at Preston and believes if the O’s prepare correctly, they are more than capable of taking maximum points against the U’s.

“We have got to go into Colchester with the same attitude that we did today,” Laird said on Saturday.

“It will be another tough game. As long as we prepare the way prepared for today, be mentally focused and be right on it from the start, I think we shouldn’t have a problem.”

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