Ex-Millwall captain has endured tough first year at Brisbane Road, but had his attitude praised after playing for an O’s XI on Friday night

Leyton Orient manager Andy Hessenthaler has revealed experienced defender Alan Dunne could still have a future at Brisbane Road.

The 33-year-old played for an O’s XI at Royston Town on Friday night and scored during the 3-3 draw.

It was his first appearance for the east Londoners this summer after appearing to be frozen out of the first team completely.

He didn’t go with the squad to Italy at the start of July either, but Hessenthaler has praised the attitude of the ex-Millwall captain.

Dunne struggled during his first season with Orient, receiving a red card at Crawley Town and giving away penalties during defeats at Exeter City and Hartlepool Town.

But with O’s currently lacking options at the back and the former Lions skipper boasting a wealth of experience, he should be given a chance to show his worth at the club after signing a two-year contract last July.

“The situation could change with Al, he’s been getting on with his work and he needed to get a game,” said Hessenthaler.

“He got that on Friday and scored, he doesn’t get many, but it was a good finish to be fair to him.

“Al showed a great attitude with the younger players alongside him and he was very professional and did an excellent job.

“I’m sure he will be involved at Greenwich Borough on Tuesday because he needs games, he needs to get up to speed. It will be another run out for him.”

Orient also included forward Paul McCallum in the squad that went to Royston on Friday night.

Unfortunately the ex-West Ham United striker was forced off just past the half an hour mark.

Hessenthaler revealed it was due to a hamstring problem and believes McCallum still has work to do before he is at the fitness levels the club want.

“Paul had some hamstring tightness so had to come off and again he has been out for seven months,” said the O’s boss.

“I’ve had a chat with him on Saturday and he needs to get his fitness levels at a better standard. When he does then we will certainly be considering him, but at the moment he knows what he needs to do.

“He scored two in pre-season, but we’ve got to look at those fitness levels because they need to be very high.

“Come Cheltenham Town, we go Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday – we have loads of games coming up. We need players up to the right standard of fitness.”

Orient will send an XI to Greenwich tomorrow for a 7.45pm kick-off and fans will get a chance to see some familiar faces.

The Ryman South outfit are managed by former forward Gary Alexander while O’s old captain John Mackie is assistant.

Admission prices for the clash at the DGS Marine Stadium are priced at £5 while it is free entry for under-16s.

Dunne is set to feature again while Hessenthaler will use several members of the academy for the pre-season encounter at Greenwich.