O’s striker ready and raring to go as 2013-14 season grows ever closer.

Leyton Orient striker Kevin Lisbie believes the opening League One fixtures can see the O’s get off to a good start.

For the past two seasons the Brisbane Road outfit have struggled early on in the campaign before coming good.

But after the fixtures were revealed on Wednesday morning, which sees Orient start with the longest trip of the season at Carlisle, Lisbie believes Russell Slade’s side can enjoy a good start.

“When you first look at the fixtures and see it’s Carlisle you realise it’s a long trip to make first off,” said Lisbie.

“But looking at it overall I do feel it could be a good start for us. There are some good games there where the opportunity is there to pick up some good points early on.

“For the last two seasons we have had to play catch up, so who knows what we can do if we can start well.

“We have come good in the middle of the season and at the back end before, but we can give ourselves every chance of a good season if we start well.”

Football fans across the land eagerly anticipate the fixtures being announced and for Lisbie the excitement is still there as well, so much so that he was up at 8.30am to see who the O’s would get.

“All the footballers look forward to it as well,” he added. I am 34 years old now but I was up at half eight ready to see who we would be facing first up.

“There are some big teams in this league and it always excites you to pit your wits against them throughout the season.

“You look at the likes of Wolves who were playing Premiership football two seasons ago, while there is also big grounds like Sheffield United and Port Vale and I look forward to going to all those places.”

The relaxing summer is now over for most players, with Orient returning to training on Monday, but now Lisbie feels refreshed and ready to go for his 19th season in the professional game.

“All players certainly enjoy the break away from football,” he said. “It’s nice to be able to relax and catch up with the family, so the break has been good.

“But when it comes to this point all the boys are keen to get back into the swing of things and it’s no different for me. I am ready and raring to go.”

There’s not been too much relaxing for Lisbie though as he has been working hard on his foundation’s fundraiser, which takes place at Orient’s Brisbane Road home on June 28.

The Kevin Lisbie Foundation works with disadvantaged youngster and aims to get them into employment via football.

The Orient squad will be in attendance at the celebrity gala fundraiser plus other professional footballers and celebrities.

Live entertainment is provided along with a champagne reception and gourmet meal, along with an auction taking place.

Tickets are priced at £500 for a table of eight or £80 individually and can be reserved by texting your full name and number of guests to 07903 289319 or by contacting Lisbie on Twiiter via @LisbieKevin.