Saints defender Dickson is close to a return

On-loan defender Ryan Dickson could return for Orient when they entertain Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday.

The Southampton defender has missed the last six games with a thigh injury picked up in the home game against Scunthorpe United.

Orient manager Russell Slade hopes that defender Dean Leacock, who has missed the last three matches, and winger George Porter could also be back in contention.

But goalkeeper Jamie Jones, who has yet to play this season, will still be missing.

“Jamie is still a couple of weeks away,” explained Slade. “He is doing some light work, but he has been out for 13 months and we can’t rush him back.”

O’s have won just once in their last seven games, but Slade insists that Saturday’s game against Wednesday will be a good test for his side.

“I don’t see that as daunting. It’s a good game for us, because there is no hiding place in these sort of matches,” he said.

“Sometimes players step up to the plate and they need to do that. It will be a real test for us.”