Swansea City youngster eager to build on impressive debut at Colchester United.

The situation at Leyton Orient may be challenging for a new young loan signing, but Ryan Hedges insists he’s up for the battle at Brisbane Road.

Following Saturday’s 2-0 loss at Colchester United, the O’s find themselves back in the relegation places going into this weekend’s home game with Scunthorpe United.

And while many youngsters getting their first taste of Football League action would find it tough, the 19-year-old – on a month’s loan from Swansea City – is keen to instigate a turn around in fortunes.

“The pressure is something I am thriving on to be honest. This club shouldn’t be where it is,” said Hodges.

“There’s obviously been a bit of transition with the managers and staff coming in, but it’s a great group of lads and if decisions go our way and performances improve we can start turning the results around and climb the table.

“I have loved every minute of it. It’s a professional environment and that is what I want to be part of.

“I want to be playing football every week and hopefully I can do, whether it be for Orient or higher as I carry on going. I am really happy with where I am at the moment.

“This team can push on and having been training for a week I can see the quality and the commitment of the lads.

“They really shouldn’t be where they are, but it is up to us to turn the results round and push up the table.”

Hedges was one of very few positives for the O’s in Saturday’s defeat and though it wasn’t the result he had hoped for, he was pleased to have made such a positive impression on his Football League debut.

“I was delighted to make my Football League debut, but I think we could have nicked something out of the game,” added Hedges.

“In the last 20 minutes we were pushing for it. There were a few penalty decisions which could have gone our way, but it wasn’t our day.

“As a team we are gutted, but a few people have made comments about my performance individually and I am really pleased about it.

“If I can carry on this run hopefully my loan can be extended.

“Hopefully I can keep playing and help Orient climb the table, that would be great.”

Saturday was Hedges’ first taste of senior football, and he admits it’s a lot different to the reserve team games he has been appearing in for Swansea.

“It’s different in terms of physicality and it’s more competitive,” he added.

“I want to play every week and at this standard every game matters.”