Brisbane Road manager discusses form of top goalscorer

East London Advertiser: Orient striker Chris Dagnall is brought down by Port Vale keeper Chris Neal (pic: Simon O'Connor)Orient striker Chris Dagnall is brought down by Port Vale keeper Chris Neal (pic: Simon O'Connor) (Image: Simon O'Connor Photography)

Leyton Orient boss Fabio Liverani has admitted he will probably have to make more changes ahead of tonight’s crucial clash with Doncaster Rovers.

Donny come to Brisbane Road with the hosts desperately needing to pick up three points and boost their hopes of remaining in League One.

O’s have put together a four-match unbeaten run at just the right time, but their Italian manager admitted he will probably need to make changes again to his starting team.

East London Advertiser: Orient's Chris Dagnall fights for possession at Crawley (pic: Simon O'Connor)Orient's Chris Dagnall fights for possession at Crawley (pic: Simon O'Connor) (Image: 07958 573219 simon.oconnor@virgin.net)

He probably won’t have Dean Cox (groin) available, but Jay Simpson could return after missing Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Crewe Alexandra.

“It is always the same problem when we play every three or four days,” said Liverani.

“I will make the decision (based on fitness and training).

East London Advertiser: Chris Dagnall celebrates putting Orient ahead against Yeovil (pic: Simon O'Connor)Chris Dagnall celebrates putting Orient ahead against Yeovil (pic: Simon O'Connor) (Image: Simon O'Connor Photography)

“We are optimistic about both players (Cox and Simpson). Hopefully we can include them in the squad.”

Chris Dagnall will definitely be available, and the Orient boss has defended the striker after he went another game without a goal.

The 28-year-old has netted 12 times this campaign for O’s and been one of their most consistent performers all season.

But he hasn’t scored since March 14 against Yeovil Town – a run of six matches without a goal.

Liverani added: “Dagnall works for the team. He is a very energetic, unselfish player and runs a lot and consumes a lot of energy because of that.

“For us he is a very important player regardless of whether he scores or not.

“He is very unselfish and always available for selection, always fit and never a problem. He always plays for me. Okay he hasn’t scored for a few games, but he is a very important player for us.”

Dagnall will turn 29 tomorrow and you wouldn’t put it past the former Rochdale forward ending his run without a goal against Donny this evening.