Orient keeper Jones is fighting to be fit for season’s opener

Allsop stands by for O’s debut

Orient keeper Jamie Jones is fighting to be fit for the start of the new League One season.

The 23-year-old, who started his career at Everton, missed Saturday’s pre-season friendly at Luton, as well as Tuesday’s behind-closed-doors match against Queens Park Rangers.

O’s boss Russell Slade admitted: “Jamie is an injury concern at the moment.”

Jones missed virtually the whole of last season after undergoing shoulder surgery, but returned to play in the last six league games.

The goalkeeper has a shoulder problem again, but Orient manager Russell Slade said: “The indications are that it is not too serious, which is a blessing.

“He could be struggling for next week against Charlton, but should be close for the Tranmere game.”

So Ryan Allsop, who joined the O’s on a short-term contract after being released by Millwall in the summer, is likely to make his debut at Charlton in the Capital One Cup next Tuesday night.

Orient will not want to be without Jones for too long, as fellow keeper Lee Butcher is sidelined until at least Christmas because of a knee injury.

David Mooney and Dean Cox scored in Tuesday’s 2-1 win over QPR and Slade said: “It was a good performance and we looked sharp.

“Dean Cox, Mathieu Baudry and David Mooney all did well and we came through without any serious knocks.”