Young defender reflects on debut against Luton and what he aims to do at Brisbane Road

Leyton Orient defender Joe Maguire was gutted to see the O’s knocked out of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy last night, but is enjoying his stay in east London.

The 19-year-old signed a one-month loan deal with Ian Hendon’s side on Friday (August 28) and made his debut yesterday (Tuesday).

Although the youngster impressed in the JPT match against Luton Town at Kenilworth Road, he couldn’t prevent them exiting the competition.

Former Dagenham & Redbridge winger Danny Green put the hosts ahead and despite Lloyd James equalising from the penalty spot, the Hatters scored late on through Stephen O’Donnell.

But the Liverpool ace, who was born in Manchester, is excited to be at Orient and is looking forward to playing in League Two.

Maguire said: “I am here for the experience. I haven’t played much first team football at Liverpool so hopefully I can get some league games under my belt here.

“I am here for a month to see how it is, but I am enjoying it so far and we will have to see how it goes.

“The Luton game was a fast pace and obviously coming in as centre back my back is a bit sore because I am coping with a lot more headers. A lot more runs in behind, but I enjoyed it. It is just a bit gutting we didn’t get the win.”

Maguire has been involved in and around the Liverpool first team this season and revealed Reds boss Brendan Rodgers is always encouraging the younger players at Anfield.

Rodgers wished the defender all the best at Orient and the 19-year-old hopes he boosted his chances of starting at Exeter City on Saturday after impressing against the Hatters and showing his potential throughout.

He added: “The under-21s league is still competitive, but this type of football is a different level. It is a lot more physical and you have a lot more challenges and the headers in this game.

“I want to be able to play as many positions as I can and try and help the team as much as I can.”