Former Millwall defender discusses cup exit and what his best position is

Leyton Orient were knocked out of the Capital One Cup by MK Dons on Tuesday in heartbreaking fashion, but defender Alan Dunne believes they will learn a great deal from their 2-1 defeat.

Ian Hendon’s side appeared on course to reach the second round as Dean Lewington’s 36th-minute own-goal gave them a one-goal advantage.

But O’s skipper Mathieu Baudry put through his own net on the stroke of full time and Carl Baker slotted home MK’s injury-time winner to send Orient packing.

It was a frustrating loss for the Brisbane Road outfit, but given the result the last time they played at stadiummk – a 6-1 thrashing – it was a hugely positive evening for the League Two side.

“We are a little bit down, but like the manager said, we controlled the game, so we need to keep our heads up and we can learn a lot from this,” said Dunne.

“The league is our priority and it always will be. It would have been nice to get a result, but it is all about Saturday against Dagenham & Redbridge now.

“We will go away from this MK Dons defeat and learn from it, take the positives and move on to Saturday, which is important.”

A promotion-winning season is more important than a decent cup run, but Orient were so close to causing a shock at stadiummk.

If they had held on against the Championship outfit, nobody could have begrudged them the win after a superb defensive display throughout.

Hendon’s side had chances to double their lead against the Dons and hit the post through Ollie Palmer, before conceding twice in the final exchanges of the match.

Dunne had been substituted by this point after suffering cramp, but the former Millwall ace could be happy with his work.

The 32-year-old is still trying to get up to fitness, but put in a good shift at left-back and worked hard.

What position does he see himself featuring for Orient, though, this season?

“I played 42 games in the Championship last year and never played more than two games in the same position,” added Dunne.

“I’m just happy to play. I have got a little bit of everything and can play anywhere in the back four or in the middle of the park. I like playing, I like competing and being out there playing.

“Right-back was always where I learnt my trade, but with the modern-day full back they are up and down and I don’t think I can do that week in, week out!

“I’ll do whatever the manager wants me to do. I will do my best wherever he needs me to play”

After Orient play Daggers this weekend they entertain Teddy Sheringham’s Stevenage on Tuesday (August 19).

The games are coming thick and fast now and Hendon will need to make the most of his squad. Dunne’s versatility may be key and the Irishman will have an important role to play this year.