Orient forward had surgery on his knee this week after suffering cruciate ligament damage

East London Advertiser: Leyton Orient forward Paul McCallum is taken off on a stretcher with his Northampton Town rival Shaun Brisley checking he is okay (pic: Simon O'Connor).Leyton Orient forward Paul McCallum is taken off on a stretcher with his Northampton Town rival Shaun Brisley checking he is okay (pic: Simon O'Connor). (Image: 07958 573219 simon.oconnor@virgin.net)

Leyton Orient head coach Ian Hendon has admitted there is a small chance Paul McCallum could return before the end of the season after the forward underwent surgery this week.

The 22-year-old suffered cruciate ligament damage during the O’s 1-1 draw at Northampton Town on September 26.

He was stretchered off at Sixfields and it was later revealed he would miss at least six months of football.

McCallum went under the knife this week and the Brisbane Road boss revealed things are looking more positive for the former West Ham man.

Hendon said: “Peter Webb the physio went and actually watched the surgery and they are very pleased with how it went.

“It is just a matter of rehab now. Paul obviously won’t be around for a week or so while it settles down.

“I am sure, with the rehab he will get here, hopefully he could return before the end of the season. That’s a maybe and would be a bonus, but realistically we are looking for him to be back for pre-season.”

The Orient head coach went on to praise the forward for putting in a key amount of work before having the surgery.

McCallum scored three times in nine appearances for the O’s before sustaining his serious injury.

He signed a two-year deal during the summer and Hendon expects him to come back even better than before.

“The surgeon looked and even since Paul has had the injury, he has to build up all the muscle around the injury and he has done a good job,” revealed the Orient boss.

“I believe the surgeon said it is one of the best ones he has seen so fair play to Paul. He has worked hard, even with the injury, and I am sure he will do the same to get himself back.”