Russell Slade was pleased with the performances of Michael Richardson after the young midfielder was thrown straight into action on Saturday and then scored in his second outing.

The 19-year-old only agreed a loan switch to the Brisbane Road club on Friday as manager Slade moved to plug some of the gaps in his injury-hit squad.

Arriving with a glowing recommendation from Premier League side Newcastle United, Richardson came on as a second-half substitute against Walsall and then opened the scoring in his first start on Tuesday night.

Slade has been impressed with the youngster during his first week at the club.

Speaking after the defeat to Walsall, the Leyton Orient manager said: “He did ok didn’t he? He only arrived today, he doesn’t know what we are about or anything like that.

“We know the kid comes with good pedigree and good energy. It will take a little bit of time for him to settle in but as you know we are down to the bare bones at the minute.”

Richardson has joined initially for one month but the Orient boss suggested the deal could be extended if it was right for all parties.

“We will see how he goes. The important thing was to get him in the building nice and quick.”

Stand-in skipper Ben Chorley was also impressed with what he saw.

“I only met him today,” Chorley said on Saturday. “He is obviously going to get bigger and stronger.

“He is obviously a ball player so we will see how he settles.”