Jamaican international pleased to be firm part of Orient’s plans now

East London Advertiser: Leyton Orient's Jobi McAnuff is fouled by Portsmouth defender Adam Webster (pic: Simon O'Connor)Leyton Orient's Jobi McAnuff is fouled by Portsmouth defender Adam Webster (pic: Simon O'Connor) (Image: Simon O'Connor Photography)

Leyton Orient midfield Jobi McAnuff is enjoying his football again after spending the first couple of months on the sidelines.

The Jamaican international wasn’t involved for the O’s between the start August towards the middle of November before making his return against York City.

Since then he has become an integral part of the team and Ian Hendon appears delighted to be able to finally select the former Reading man.

The ex-West Ham United midfielder has scored once, a stunner against Yeovil Town, in his eighth appearances to date, but registered assists against Mansfield Town and Portsmouth.

McAnuff said: “I am definitely enjoying my football, getting back out there, but two games in three days over Christmas was a bit of a killer especially for me at 34 trundling along.

“I was pleased to get through that and it is just nice to be back playing and trying to help the team.

“I am pleased to have been involved in a few of the goals recently and I just want to keep doing that and hopefully keep getting better as I get a bit fitter.”

The last time the east Londoners played was nearly two weeks ago now and they needed a last gasp equaliser from Jay Simpson to rescue a 2-2 draw at Stevenage.

McAnuff, while admitting it was disappointing not to get the three points, believes it shows the character in the squad.

He added: “It is hard to take a positive out of it because we are so disappointing not to win the game, but when you look at the circumstances.

“Of course, 2-1 down, away from home late in the game, during the third match of the week we showed great spirit to come back.

“That is the frustrating thing for us because we know we have got it in there, but we just need to do it more and get the wins.

“It cut up second half, but it was the same for both teams and Stevenage have gone and scored two goals.

“We needed to keep the door shut, we didn’t, but a point at the end of the day is better than nothing.”