ORIENT’s stand-in boss says the players must be “ready to rock” when they head north in search of a first win of the year on Saturday.

Kevin Nugent issued the call after watching his O’s side snatch a draw from the jaws of victory against Southend on Tuesday night.

Orient’s youth team coach has assumed the controls at Brisbane Road after owner Barry Hearn sacked Martin Ling last Sunday.

His first match in charge was a charged derby which saw James Walker salvage a point for the Shrimpers in the 95th minute, ruling out Adam Boyd’s 15th minute strike.

Afterwards Nugent was up-beat and hopeful for Saturday’s trip to Scunthorpe.

“We were holding on a little bit at the end but there were a lot of positives to come out of it. It was a very tight game. I enjoyed the experience and its just a shame we didn’t pick up the three points.

“I think the every single one of the lads worked tremendously hard and we thought we had just done enough.

“We’ve now got two games that nobody expects too take anything from. So we’ll take the positives out of this one. We’ve lost a few on the bounce and what we’ve done tonight is stop the rot.

"I was expecting the Southend game to be a good one, but it was a hotter atmosphere than I thought.”

After the 1-1 draw, Nugent revealed that events of the weekend have taken their toll on the team.

“It’s been a difficult week for the players and that’s got to be taken into consideration” he said. “It’s never easy when a manager leaves and new people come in.”

But he pledged not to be distracted by internal affairs in the upper echelons of the club and to concentrate on on-the-pitch affairs.

“I don’t know if I ‘ll be in charge for the next two away games” Nugent said. “We’ll have to wait see. I enjoyed tonight, but I’m still youth team, caretaker manager.

“I will certainly be preparing for Saturday’s game. I spoke to the lads and their recovery for that is a major thing for me now. There are 20 games left to go, and they need to look after themselves.

Young Academy graduate Harry Baker could feature against Scunthorpe.

He impressed on his senior debut on Tuesday, skinning his marker on several occasions.

“He’s an exciting player” Nugent said. “He’s a player I think the supporters will like to see.”

Nugent also revealed that he will only be able to recruit players on loan, as striker Sam Parkin returns to Luton, his loan period cut short.