Experienced manager has to decide whether to recall Alex Lawless or stick with Henry Ochieng and Craig Clay

Steve Davis has a nice selection headache in the middle of the park ahead of Leyton Orient’s trip to Boreham Wood in the National League this weekend.

O’s were without first team skipper Charlie Lee (suspected anterior cruciate ligament damage) and Alex Lawless (hip flexor injury) last Saturday.

Craig Clay and Henry Ochieng started in the centre of midfield and both impressed, as Orient registered an excellent 4-1 win over Guiseley.

Ahead of travelling to Hertfordshire this weekend, Davis has plenty to think about regarding who starts at Boreham Wood.

He said: “There is not a lot between all four of them really. They all offer something different and Charlie offers something different to Alex.

“There was no point risking Alex on Saturday, but we should have him for this weekend if he can get back in the team.

“We need competition for places and there are four players vying for two positions at the moment, so it is healthy for us.

“Obviously we don’t want any more long-term injuries like Charlie has picked up, so as long as we can keep them three ticking over then we won’t have to bring anyone else in, but I do think that is something we may need to look at going forward.”

Ochieng looked assured on Saturday and was busy, but helped by the influence of Clay alongside him.

The former Motherwell midfielder may only be 25-years-old, yet showed experience to guide his young partner through the match.

Davis added: “I chatted to Craig before about helping Henry and being in the right positions and to play together and he did that.

“Craig is a good player and we knew what we were bringing in when we brought him in from Scotland. I am sure he played around 30 games in the SPL last season, so we know he can compete in a good league. The three games he has started he has been very good.”

Although Ochieng and Clay looked solid together on Saturday, the return of Lawless may see the former drop to the bench this weekend.