FOLLOWING his impressive debut in the win over Cheltenham on Saturday, defender Alton Thelwell is happy to be coming home to roost after completing a three-month loan switch from Hull last week.

The former Tottenham and England Under-21 defender, who grew up around the corner from Brisbane Road in Stratford, looked a tower of strength in the O's defence on Saturday.

Reflecting on events, the 26-year-old said: "I jumped at the chance to come to Orient because it is an opportunity for me to get back to London after three years in Hull.

"I grew up around the corner from Brisbane Road and my mum still lives there, so it is great to be home again."

Thelwell also admitted his surprise at the O's poor start to the season, and is now hoping to help Ling's men work their way up the table He added: "The spirit and confidence amongst the lads in training has been really good and, to be honest, it is not what you would expect to see from a side down at the bottom of the table.

"I've also been impressed with the quality of players at the club. Hopefully the win will give us the confidence to start climbing the table."

The Tigers defender remains unclear what his long-term future holds. He said: "I'm not sure what will happen when the three months are up.

"I may go back to Hull, but I'm hoping things go well here because it would be a great club to join."

l ORIENT boss Martin Ling has revealed that striker Lee Steele wasn't left out of the squad on Saturday against Cheltenham as a result of rumours linking him with a move to Chester.

The 32-year-old Scouser is believed to be a target for the League Two outfit, although O's boss Ling stated this week that Steele's absence at the weekend was because of a chest infection and that he will be back in contention for the squad heading for Scunthorpe on Saturday.

Of greater concern to Ling is that Orient build on their recent run to secure a first away victory.

He said: "The pressure is off us now in terms of that long awaited win, but still on because we are yet to pick up a victory away from home.

"We looked a lot more solid at the back on Saturday with Alton Thelwell and Adam Chambers slotting in nicely. Hopefully we can continue to turn things around at Scunthorpe."

Ling's only real doubt for the trip to Glanford Park is long term injury victim Efe Echanomi (ankle).