Orient hitman discusses latest win at Colchester, next friendly with Woking and scoring for the club

Leyton Orient forward Paul McCallum is keen to get 90 minutes under his belt this evening at Woking and continue his excellent scoring form.

The 22-year-old, who celebrates his birthday, has netted five times in pre-season so far, including a brace on Saturday during an impressive 3-0 win at Colchester United.

He has certainly caught the eye for the O’s this summer and is hoping to continue delivering the goods under head coach Ian Hendon.

After loan spells at various clubs, the former West Ham academy ace seems to have found a home at Brisbane Road and long may his success continue.

“I’m very happy with my performance at Colchester but the key is fitness,” said McCallum.

“That’s what pre-season is for. I’m happy to get another 70-80 minutes under my belt and I’m looking forward to the start of the season.

“Hopefully some of us will get 90 minutes against Woking. I think it’s only some of our back four who have played 90 so far so it’s important for all of us to get as much minutes as we can and get ready for the season.

“It is going to be a tough test. It’s not going to be easy. Woking are a team that’s going to be up for it.

“I’m a striker, I want to score in every game I play. My form so far has been good in pre-season but I’ve got to keep that form going into the league and hopefully I can score in the majority of games I play.”

Sean Clohessy proved the ammunition for McCallum to score the opener at the Weston Homes Community Stadium on Saturday.

It was a trademark header from the Orient forward and he is relishing the opportunity to feature in an attacking team.

He hasn’t always got the chances he would have liked during loan spells at Portsmouth, Hearts, Torquay United, Aldershot Town, AFC Wimbledon and Rochdale, but he is with the Brisbane Road outfit.

McCallum added: “Sean at right-back gets forward a lot and he knows where I’ll be and I know where he’s going to put it.

“I’m looking forward to playing with him this season and Dean ‘Coxy’ as well. He gets the ball and delivers it and I’m going to enjoy playing in this team if we’re playing like that.

“Some of the loan spells I didn’t get a lot of chances, but I did get a few goals, so that was good for me mentally to know if I get a chance I can take it.

“But in this side I know I’m going to get a lot of chances and I back myself to get goals.

“If the team is playing well and creating chances, you’re a professional footballer and a striker so you should be getting goals.

“Our team is going to create chances and I’m going to get goals.”

It is a bold statement from the young forward, but on the evidence he has provided this pre-season it is a valid one to make.