The Exiles are a physical side and will provide a tough test for the several teengers in east Londoners squad

Leyton Orient boss Danny Webb has backed his players to cope with the physical threat of fellow League Two strugglers Newport County on Saturday.

The two relegation-threatened clubs do battle at Rodney Parade with both looking likely to go down this season.

A victory for O’s would boost their hopes of survival, although only slightly given they are now six points from safety.

Newport’s form has been poor, but they are a physical side and will look to make the most of that this weekend.

Webb joked: “We are going to put Freddy Moncur on Steven Alzate’s shoulders and see what happens on Saturday!

“They are a physical side, but I can’t suddenly talk about my plan and the future and then stick a load of big players in because we are playing Newport.

“I have to be consistent with it and I have been from the start. It’s lovely when you are consistent with it and beat Plymouth away from home.

“But you also have to keep that consistency when you lose 4-1 at Stevenage, so that’s what I’ll continue to do.

“I do urge people to look to the future and I know that is hard when you are second from bottom.

“The thought of going to Guiseley next year isn’t appealing when you have gone to Doncaster Rovers this season, so it is gut-wrenching in a lot of ways.”

Moncur and Alzate impressed for Orient off the bench at Stevenage and the former may start this weekend.

Nigel Atangana missed Tuesday’s match with a tight groin and Sammy Moore found life difficult.

It means Moncur could partner Michael Collins in the heart of Orient’s midfield for what is a crucial match at Rodney Parade.

Michael Clark could retain his starting berth after making his full debut on Tuesday night at Stevenage.

The former under-18 captain produced an assured display and earned praise from his manager, Webb said: “Michael was excellent.

“Stevenage’s goalkeeper Chris Day had a big booming kick and with youngsters, they can sometimes get caught under the ball and it is basic defending, but ‘Clarky’ was outstanding.

“I’m sure if you went through the game you would spot some mistakes, but he is getting the basics right and not shirking.

“Teams aren’t playing on the youngsters. They are not playing on ‘Clarky’ or Myles Judd because they see them as equals and that’s what they are.”