Brisbane Road boss praises defender after Staines success and talks about Dean Cox and Alex Cisak
Leyton Orient head coach Ian Hendon was happy with the performance of Alan Dunne on Saturday with the Millwall man set for an extend run in the first team.
It was confirmed last week that Connor Essam had suffered ankle ligament damage and is set for at least six weeks on the sidelines.
That meant the 33-year-old was back in the starting team against Staines Town in the first round of the FA Cup and he look composed alongside skipper Mathieu Baudry.
Dunne has struggled at times for the O’s like against Exeter City back in September and he was sent off during the 3-2 loss at Crawley Town.
However the Irish defender looked good on Saturday and Hendon was happy with how he played against the non-league out.
“Listen ‘Dunney’ has played in the Championship and a League One so he can handle this no problem,” said the Orient boss.
“Playing against Staines got him back in to it and got him 90 minutes here at Brisbane Road.
“The other ones he has started have been away so it was good for him and I am very pleased with his performance.”
Another person to impress was Dean Cox with the midfielder scoring twice against Staines to take his tally for the campaign to five.
He was dropped from the squad recently at Morecambe, but has responded by winning his spot back and impressing of late.
Orient’s head coach praised the 28-year-old and hopes he can carry on his current form.
Hendon added: “That is what ‘Coxy’ is about. He is back to how he should be and that is why he is in the team.
“He is working hard in training day to day and long may that continue because when he is on it he is effective and a very good player for us so I am really pleased for him.”
But the east Londoners will be without first choice goalkeeper Alex Cisak this weekend for the tip to Hartlepool.
The Australian has linked up with his national team and that means Charlie Grainger should get another opportunity between the sticks.
“Alex is away with Australia so it is up to Charlie now to step up and take his chance,” added Hendon.
“I didn’t think about playing Charlie against Staines. Alex is number one and it was very important we won and progressed in the FA Cup. It is up to Charlie now, he will get his opportunity against Hartlepool and it is up to him to take that.”
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