Leyton Orient hoping to have Clay and Smyth back in contention for FA Cup tie

The O’s will welcome Micky Mellon’s side to the Breyer Group Stadium on Saturday for a second round cup tie as they bid to progress into the third round where the big clubs enter the competition.

The boss is hoping to have more options to choose from after Clay and Smyth missed out on the weekend’s 1-0 defeat to Northampton Town in the league through injury.

Midfielder Clay has been influential for the O’s so far this campaign, only featuring for 14 minutes in the three defeats the east London outfit have suffered in the league.

“He (Craig Clay) has injured his ankle, he has a chance for next Saturday, that’s where he is,” Jackett revealed.

“Similar, very slight on the hamstring, which is a big frustration for us again, he (Paul Smyth) hasn’t really got going. He has showed glimpses and hopefully won’t be out for too long. He has a chance.”

Paul Smyth of Leyton Orient (Image: ©TGS Photo tgsphoto.co.uk +44 1376 553468)

The O’s currently sit eighth in League Two but away form has not been great but the boss knows they’re not far away to becoming a strong side in the division.

“We’re not miles away, we understand that, sometimes for myself as a manager that is very frustrating because the games are there for us if we could have stepped it up.

“We have to set our standards high, realise what we need to do to keep making sure we raise that bar, and it’s a high standard as that’s where we want to be.”

Focus however switches to the cup for the time being as they’re keen to remain in every competition possible.

The cup clash could be a good chance to see Dan Happe and Adam Thompson among others that have lacked game time in recent weeks be handed an opportunity.

Although Jackett likes to stick with a consistent side therefore they may remain on the bench for the time being.

“We focus on them, but we were disappointed with the second-half performance, and we need to do more.”