Frenchman vows to add to weekend double strike

SATURDAY’S two-goal hero Jonathan Tehoue admits the Brisbane Road crowd are still yet to see the best of the French striker.

Since arriving from Konyaspor in January, the 26-year-old has not been a regular fixture in the Orient front line having struggled with his fitness.

A hamstring injury that kept him out of action for four months was followed by an ankle problem that meant a month on the sidelines and Alex Revell and Scott McGleish have taken full advantage, bagging 16 goals between them this season.

Despite scoring two late goals to salvage a point against Bournemouth, Tehoue insists the Brisbane Road faithful have not seen the best of him.

“It is yet to come, we’ll see if I can get there,” he said.

“I don’t think I’m the same shape as last season, I put weight on, so I’m still struggling to get my fitness back, so that is why I keep working.

“I put on something like three kilos, I am on a diet, so I am working on that.

“I know the fans are still behind me, they keep encouraging me, so it gives me hope for the future.”

Since arriving in January, 21 of Tehoue’s 29 appearances in Orient colours have been from the bench and the Frenchman knows he will have to work hard to dislodge his side’s regular forward pair.

“I just keep trying to push them and make the gaffer doubt them a little bit and bring in another option. You have to know that everyone is competitive, everyone is ready to fight for his place,” said Tehoue.

“At the moment he’s (Revell) on fire, he keeps banging goals in in every single game.

“I only have three goals in the league, so I’m still far from the other strikers in the squad.”

When Tehoue replaced Scott McGleish 60 minutes into the draw with Bournemouth there was discontent among the home supporters, frustrated with manager Russell Slade for opting to stick with two strikers rather than three, as Orient chased the game.

But the Frenchman’s late brace soon had them cheering and Tehoue felt his side’s mental strength was key to the comeback.

“Mentally we know we have to be ready and we were at home today, so we were looking to keep that unbeaten run going, so what we did today we did well,” he said.

“We showed that we were strong mentally, so it’s good for the atmosphere around the club, for the fans and everyone.”