Former Newcastle and Crystal Palace defender says Leyton Orient need to embrace promotion challenge

The O’s are still just two points outside the League Two play-offs despite a disappointing Easter weekend which featured back-to-back defeats.

The experienced defender was part of the Crystal Palace squad which won promotion to the Premier League, via the play-offs, in 2013 and he has called on the Orient side to grasp their opportunity.

Speaking after Friday’s game at Accrington, Ramage said: “There are players here that have experienced promotions and that experience is going to help.

“You don’t get many promotions over your career and when you get in those positions you’ve got to try to embrace the challenge and get that on your CV.”

Ramage is currently on a 28-day loan from Coventry City and has slotted comfortably into the centre of defence in place of suspended captain Mathieu Baudry.

Player-manager Kevin Nolan could be tempted to extend his loan until the end of the season but Ramage is just focused on impressing during the remaining time at Brisbane Road.

The 32-year-old said: “That discussion will come when the 28 days ends. I’m just concentrating on the next few weeks that I’m here and trying to help get as many points as I possibly can for the team.

“That decision will be made between the gaffer and Coventry when the time is right.”

Former Newcastle United defender Ramage underwent his initiation song on Thursday with the squad and admitted he was more anxious about this than making his debut for the O’s.

He said: “I’ve enjoyed it. They’ve been really welcoming. I had my initiation which, even at 32, you still get nervous about that as much as your debut but it was good fun.

“That’s what this club is about, making new players welcome, and hopefully I can bring something between now and the end of my loan period.”

Ramage continued: “It’s just one of the rituals but it’s good banter and warms you to the group.

“It helped me settle in and get to know the boys.”