Brisbane Road boss full of praise for Peter Ramage, talks missed chances and team selection during 1-1 draw at York City

Leyton Orient player-manager Kevin Nolan is pleased to have captain Mathieu Baudry available again.

The French defender hasn’t played since the 1-0 win at Oxford United on March 12 when he received a straight red card.

Although the dismissal looked harsh, an appeal to overturn it was rejected by the Football Association.

Because the 28-year-old had already been sent off earlier in the season, against Portsmouth on Boxing Day, he had to serve a four match ban.

Coventry City loanee Peter Ramage has impressed in his absence and Nolan now has a nice headache.

He said: “You will always miss an important figure like Matty, but ‘Rambo’ has come in and that is why we signed him because of the suspension.

“I think he has done more than enough to merit his position and it will be a headache for me which I want.

“It just makes sure that everyone on the bench is champing at the bit to get on and all those on the pitch know what they’ve got to do to stay in the team.”

Lloyd James is one of those players looking to get a start after making an impact as a substitute in recent weeks.

The O’s boss explained that the former Wales under-21 international is still getting up to full fitness.

He also felt the team he picked at York City was similar to the sides that had got results at Oxford United and Carlisle United.

Nolan added: “Lloyd didn’t start because the way we have been going lately we went with the midfield four and defensive four plus the top guys up top that had got us the great away victories and draws.

“I still think he needs minutes to play because obviously he has been out for a long time.

“I’ve been delighted with him since he’s been back and he has come on at York and made a difference with his quality and awareness on the ball. He has a great football brain and I enjoy playing with him.”

The former West Ham United captain admitted he was frustrated with the amount of chances they squandered at Bootham Crescent.

James’ goal 15 minutes from time salvaged a point after Bradley Fewster’s first half strike.

Minstermen’s goalkeeper Scott Flinders was in fine form and ensured the east Londoners had to settle for a point.

“We are just missing far too many chances at the moment. At York we have missed too many good opportunities we’ve created and we haven’t finished them off,” said Nolan.

“But that is finding a goalkeeper in fine form. He got man of the match so for all the negatives people can say, when their goalkeeper gets MOTM it speaks volumes.”