Youngsters given chance to shine

Leyton Orient boss Russell Slade says he is excited about the development of some of his young players as he uses the pre-season campaign to give them “invaluable experience”.

First-year professionals such as Harry Lee and De’Reece Vanderhyde both featured for the O’s in the 4-1 win at Welling United on Friday, with Slade particularly using the second half to take a look at some unfamiliar faces – including several trialists.

And the manager believes they are in an ideal environment to make the most of their potential.

Slade said: “For the likes of De’Reece and Harry Lee, it’s invaluable experience to play in games such as these.

“Harry is not really a left-back, but he’s in there and learning the game.

“We’ve got good people at the club to try and help them as well.

“And if they can’t come in and develop as players with this group, there’s something wrong.

“Because they are fantastic guys and will help the youngsters.”

David Mooney scored twice against Conference new-boys Welling, with Shaun Batt grabbing his third goal in two games and Dean Cox his second following the 7-0 win at Chelmsford last week.

Indeed, the O’s were four goals up at the break, before Loick Pires pulled one back for Welling early into the second half as the visitors made a host of changes.

Former Stoke youngster Michael Clarkson, former Blackpool forward Alex Addai, plus Frenchmen Joe Kiszzly and Chris Gaddi were all given a chance to shine on trial.

And Slade was very happy with another comfortable display.

He said: “It was another good workout and some of the football was very encouraging.

“I thought we played some great stuff on not an easy surface.

“It was a bit sticky and the grass was a bit long, but I thought some of the movement was excellent.

“Even in the second half, we still had opportunities and were maybe guilty of trying to walk the ball in a little bit.

“Welling were possibly frustrated because we were 4-0 up, but they battled away and made it a contest in the second half.

“But given the number of trialists and youth-team players we had it was very encouraging.”

The O’s have travelled to Staffordshire for a four-day stay at a health spa, with their third pre-season game taking place tonight (Wednesday) at Tamworth.

And Slade added: “It’s a change of scene, which will be great for the group.

“The facilities there are absolutely first rate, it will be another important part of our build-up.

“We’ll be stepping things up between now and the start of the season.

“It’s important that we start getting players near that 90-minute mark.

“It will be the same on Wednesday, when players will need to start getting 60 or 70 minutes under their belts.”