Italian admitted he could have brought Paul McCallum on earlier, but felt Ollie Palmer was still having impact at Brisbane Road

Alberto Cavasin revealed he decided to bring off Michael Collins during Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Blackpool in League Two so he could keep balance in the Leyton Orient team.

Goals from Jamille Matt and Tom Aldred put the Tangerines two goals ahead with 57 minutes played at Brisbane Road.

Although Collins had been one of O’s better performers, the Italian decided to take him off in the 66th minute when Robbie Weir appeared the better candidate to substitute.

“Weir is a player who gives balance to the team and stays in front of the defence so wanting to play more offensive the ones I could have taken out was either Nigel Atangana or Collins,” said Cavasin via a translator.

The decision to replace Collins wasn’t the only bizarre decision by the 60-year-old during Saturday’s match.

With Orient struggling for ideas and Blackpool goalkeeper Sam Slocombe enjoying a routine day, Cavasin waited until the 75th minute to bring on Paul McCallum.

It was too late for the ex-West Ham United forward to be introduced with the visitors cruising at this point.

McCallum needed to be brought on earlier for a midfielder with O’s going with three up front or for Palmer.

Cavasin added: “I felt Palmer was still quite active and helping us a lot and a target man. Jay is a player that can always score in any particular moment.

“I thought it was important to leave Jay on because in the box he can solve many situations so then I chose to take off Palmer. Yes I could have done it five minutes earlier, but he was still physically fit to play.”

The ex-Fiorentina boss was keen to draw on the positives despite Orient suffering a seventh consecutive defeat at Brisbane Road, which is a new record for the east London club.

“In this moment there are two things that are positive and the first is that the next game is on Tuesday against Exeter City,” said Cavasin.

“This is what the lads said in the changing room and the other is that we ended the match in a positive way.”