New boss discusses Josh Coulson and George Elokobi and performance of Henry Ochieng at Solihull Moors

East London Advertiser: Leyton Orient defender Josh Coulson slides in on Maidstone United's Reece Prestedge (pic: Simon O'Connor).Leyton Orient defender Josh Coulson slides in on Maidstone United's Reece Prestedge (pic: Simon O'Connor). (Image: 07958 573219 simon.oconnor@virgin.net)

Leyton Orient boss Justin Edinburgh is set to be handed a timely boost this week with the return of Josh Coulson, though caution is set to be the order of the day with the on-loan Cambridge United defender.

The centre back has not featured for O’s since playing in the 2-2 draw at Aldershot Town on September 23.

Coulson suffered a groin injury at the beginning of September and despite scans showing no problem ahead of Orient’s match at the Recreation Ground, he aggravated the issue in the first half and despite battling on, has been out since.

The absence of the U’s defender and George Elokobi has hit O’s hard, but the former may return at Haringey Borough on Saturday week in the FA Trophy.

Orient will need more than just Coulson, however, with Edinburgh keen to bring in more experience and protect the youngsters in the squad.

He said: “Josh may join in training this week, so maybe the Trophy game he will return. We are hopeful we can get him back for that.

“George will probably be a couple of weeks behind, but I’ve spoke to the board and Martin (Ling) and we need to add one or two reinforcements to the group.

“Like I keep saying, we have a lot of talent and potential, but it is very difficult for them players to come in and express themselves.

“Young Henry (Ochieng) looked nervous on Saturday, but I understand that because he is coming in for a game where it is difficult to impose himself and express himself.

“I want to introduce players like him into a team which is flying and winning games and on the front foot and it’s difficult for the senior lads at the minute, let alone the young boys!

“Once we get a few new faces into the group and more athleticism and aggression and knowhow for this league, then I’ve no doubt we’ll start to get the results this club deserves.”

Coulson will help Orient, but Edinburgh being given the green light to make changes to the squad will also be key to getting O’s away from the bottom four.