Scott Cuthbert believes Romain Vincelot will be a “massive player” for Leyton Orient next season if the club can agree a new contract with the Frenchman.

Vincelot made a big impression at Brisbane Road after joining the O’s on a short-term deal during the second half of the last campaign.

The former Brighton & Hove Albion player proved his worth by switching effortlessly from midfield to defence after a spate of injuries at the back and manager Russell Slade has offered him a new contract.

Vincelot is currently weighing up the offer in France and defender Cuthbert is hopeful he will decide to stay with the League One club.

Cuthbert said: “Romain is a great player and a great professional who works really hard on the training ground. It’s not easy for him to start out of position in defence but he looked like he had been playing there for years.

“He is a massive player for us so I hope we can get him signed up. He will be massive for us next year along with David Mooney [also offered a new contract].”

Cuthbert recently agreed a new two-year contract with the O’s and will celebrate his wedding next week. The former Celtic defender insists it was an easy decision to remain in East London.

He said: “I’m absolutely delighted we managed to get it finalised and get signed up. I’ve really loved playing for Orient.

“In the first season it went really well for me personally but the team struggled. Last season flipped around and was the reverse with me struggling with injuries but the team did really well.

“There was nothing telling me to leave. I knew I wanted to sign and stay here because everything fits perfectly here.

“I get on really well with the manager and also the players and my partner is settled here and has got a job. The club is going in the right direction and we were probably a bit unlucky to miss out on the play-offs last season.”

Cuthbert continued: “I’m very fortunate to get a two-year deal because there are a lot of players who haven’t got a contract, especially with the budget restrictions. I’m very grateful for the faith they have shown in me.

“Russell is really honest and his door is always open to talk to players if there are any problems. He took me in after I had been relegated with Swindon and gave me confidence so I want to repay him by playing well consistently.”

It was a difficult year for Cuthbert on the pitch as the Scot was out for lengthy spells with a hamstring injury and a fractured foot.

In his first season at Orient he scooped the Star Man award, but it was much tougher for him during an injury-disrupted second campaign.

He said: “It’s been a very frustrating season for me personally. Injuring my hamstring in the first game and keeping me out for four months was very disappointing.

“I felt I did well when I came back in but then I had my foot injury which forced me to miss the end of the season.

“It’s been really frustrating but I hope that is the injury problems are over and done with so I should be fresh for next season.”