Andy Hessenthaler: Dean Cox is ready for Leyton Orient ahead of Fulham’s visit in English Football League Cup
Leyton Orient's Dean Cox celebrates after finding the net (pic: Simon O'Connor). - Credit: Archant
Brisbane Road favourite set to make first competitive appearance since November 7 and latest on trialist Reece Brown
Leyton Orient manager Andy Hessenthaler has revealed Dean Cox is fired up and ready to go ahead of tomorrow’s English Football League Cup first round clash with Fulham.
The O’s talisman was an unused substitute during Saturday’s League Two opener with Cheltenham Town.
Gavin Massey put the visitors ahead at Whaddon Road before Billy Waters equalised 16 minutes from time.
After failing to play a part at Cheltenham, Cox is set to make his first competitive appearance for the east Londoners since November 7 when Championship outfit Fulham visit Brisbane Road for a 7.45pm kick-off.
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“I think ‘Coxy’ is definitely coming into my thoughts for Tuesday and he’s nearly there, well I say nearly, but to be honest he is there now,” said Hessenthaler.
“He’s fired up, his knee is ready and he was desperate to get on at Cheltenham on Saturday and I can understand that.
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“Unfortunately with the problems we had, it was hard to get him out on the pitch, but he definitely comes into my thoughts for Tuesday.
“Paul McCallum is getting closer, I still want a little bit more from him in terms of his fitness levels, but it won’t be long before he’s involved as well. It is great to have them options coming back.”
Orient’s boss also revealed a decision regarding Reece Brown, who has been on trial at Brisbane Road, will take place shortly.
The central defender was at the club’s open day yesterday (Sunday) and should find out if he’ll be offered a contract today.
Hessenthaler, speaking on Saturday, added: “Reece is still here and there is a decision that needs to be made on that over the next few days.
“Unfortunately he come in and started off not fully fit, then he picked up a slight injury and got the illness bug.
“He has missed a few sessions and we’ve been trying to make a decision on him, but I believe it will be made now over the next few days.”
Reflecting on the 1-1 draw at Cheltenham, Hessenthaler felt it was a point gained for Orient in the end.
The Robins got better as the game wore on and finished strongly at Whaddon Road, but it finished level.
Hessenthaler’s men had dominated the first 45, although couldn’t build on Massey’s third-minute opener.
He said: “I think it is a point gained. When the fixtures come out I thought it was not going to be easy and Saturday proved that.
“Cheltenham’s fans come out in force as well, they were champions last year and they have a bit of momentum going. We’ve changed it around ourselves with lots of new players so all in all lots of positives.”
