Former Wales under-21 international discusses life under Nolan and taking penalties

Lloyd James was pleased to make his first appearance of 2016 for Leyton Orient last weekend, but warned his team-mates to remain focused as the League Two season comes to a climax.

The 28-year-old has missed three months of football due to an achilles problem and last started a match against Yeovil Town on December 19 when Ian Hendon was still head coach.

But he was introduced at half time against Morecambe on Saturday and played his part as the O’s won 1-0 at Brisbane Road to move back into the play-off positions ahead of Easter.

They travel to play Accrington Stanley tomorrow (Friday), before hosting Hartlepool United on Monday and James said: “A hard grafted 1-0 is one of the best results you can get, with a bit of luck.

“We are quietly confident now, but we need to keep our feet on the ground. We go into this week ready to go again.

“Accrington will give us a tough test and I think they are a good side as we saw before, but it is a test we will relish. Let’s go up there and see what we can get from the match.”

Orient did get a huge element of luck on Saturday in terms of the winning goal.

Jerome Binnom-Williams put in an excellent cross and Shrimps defender Alan Goodall could only clear the ball against team-mate Ryan Edwards and it ricocheted into the back of the net.

Before that, it felt like being another one of those frustrating afternoons in E10.

Morecambe had gone down to 10 men in the 12th minute when goalkeeper Barry Roche brought down Jay Simpson inside the box.

Substitute Kieron O’Hara saved Simpson’s spot-kick, though, and made numerous top drawer stops, before finally being beaten.

When fit at the start of the campaign, James scored three penalties and was asked if he would be up for taking on the responsibility from 12 yards again.

“It is up to Jay if I take the next spot-kick. He has scored so many goals and penalties so I don’t know, we’ll see,” he added.

Orient player-manager Kevin Nolan said after the match that the decision lies with Simpson.

On Saturday, James was making his first appearance under the new boss and admitted he has been a great influence.

“He was training with us for three months before I got injured and was brilliant around the lads then,” said the O’s midfielder.

“I think he has been fantastic since he’s taken over and I’ve been listening in as much as I could when I was injured and trying to learn from him.

“He brings so much passion and experience to the lads and has been brilliant. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with him.”