French midfielder discusses competition for places at Brisbane Road and his own good memories of Whaddon Road

Leyton Orient midfielder Nigel Atangana has insisted he will give everything for the club this season regardless of his role in the team.

The French midfielder joined the O’s in January and quickly established himself in the starting XI.

Andy Hessenthaler has signed Robbie Weir and Liam Kelly this summer – both central midfielders.

Weir has been named as first-team captain while Kelly is vice-skipper and Atangana has praised the pair.

Even though he may be on the bench at times during the campaign, he is determined to help the east Londoners achieve their aims.

“I’m a football player, I’m not selfish and I’m here in the squad and we have a good one. I’m happy we have Liam and Robbie,” said Atangana.

“They are both very good players so we have competition and sometimes if you are playing well or playing bad, what is important is to make sure somebody on the bench can do the job for you.

“If I’m starting the league game, I will give my maximum and if I’m on the bench I’ll give my maximum as well even if it is just five or 10 minutes.”

Orient travel to Cheltenham Town for their League Two opener on Saturday and could be without Weir.

The O’s skipper is struggling with a knee problem and if unavailable, Atangana is likely to replace him.

He has fond memories of playing at Whaddon Road before because it is the scene of his only goal in the Football League.

When playing for Portsmouth during the 2014/15 campaign, the French midfielder netted in a 1-1 draw with the Robins on December 20.

Atangana added: “Cheltenham is the first test of the season and it will be a very good test and I have good memories because I scored there two years ago.

“It will be a tough game, but we are all looking at this match and we have to start right and start well. I repeat it won’t be easy.

“Obviously Cheltenham were in the National League last season, but it won’t be easy and the first game is always tough.

“You see on Saturday against Gillingham we missed Robbie and Liam so some haven’t played the full 90 minutes, it will be a tough game and we have to be ready.”

After impressing during the O’s encounter with the Gills, Atangana will hope to build on that display this weekend.