Brisbane Road head coach discusses youngster who have been involved with first team this summer

Leyton Orient head coach Ian Hendon has insisted he will play youngsters this season if he feels they deserve an opportunity after praising midfielder Scott Kashket.

The 19-year-old played the whole of the second half against Braintree Town last Friday at the Amlin Stadium and impressed at times against the non-league side.

He made three appearances for O’s last year, all off the substitutes bench when Mauro Milanese was in charge, and it seems Kashket will get more chances under the new Orient boss.

“I have been very impressed with Scott,” said Hendon following their 2-1 loss to the Iron.

“He should have scored against Braintree. He said the keeper made a good save, but I will have to see it back again.

“Scott has got pace. He is bright and lively and again he is another one who could play this year. You can’t just get rid of young players because they are not going to feature in the first team right now.

“We have got to be looking forward and Scott and the others are all part of the squad.

“We will have new players coming in, but it’s good competition to have the youngsters involved and I have no qualms about playing young lads.

“If they are doing well and they deserve a chance, I will get them in the team or on the bench.”

Kashket was joined on the pitch at Braintree by fellow youngsters Sandro Semedo and Sam Ling last week, while goalkeeper Charlie Grainger and midfielder Harry Lee also featured as Hendon continues to back the O’s youth.

The aforementioned fivesome all played in a friendly against Middlesbrough yesterday, which ended in the Championship side winning 3-1.

Orient’s head coach, speaking before that fixture, admitted Semedo - who signed a two-year deal recently - is one for the future.

“Sandro has got natural ability that is for sure, you can see that, but we need to nurture him along and coach him,” added Hendon.

“I am not sure how he has been treated in the past, but he has been with the first team all pre-season and is another one for the future.”

Hendon surprised those in attendance at Braintree by playing Lee at left-back in the second half.

The 20-year-old has made seven appearances for the O’s since progressing through their youth ranks and received high praise from his head coach.

“Harry was out of contract, but when I came in there was a lot of interest in him,” said the Orient boss.

“I had managers ringing me up asking to take him on loan if I was going to resign him and I have seen him in training.

“Everyone has seen what the lad has done at Braintree. He is a central midfielder who has played left-back and he did ever so well.

“He is a good lad with a great attitude and it was a no-brainer to keep him here and he was happy to sign. Harry may not go straight into the team, but is one I think has got a chance moving forward.”