Orient back in Carling Cup action against Bristol Rovers

With a trip to Premier League Blackburn Rovers awaiting the victors, both sides will no doubt be looking to progress.

Orient come into the game off the back of another defeat in which they may feel they could have taken their first points of the season, having led Carlisle on Saturday before a Lee Miller double saw them lose out.

Rovers have made a steady start to the campaign and currently sit tenth in the League Two table, a point outside the playoff positions.

The Pirates earned their place for tonight’s clash following a gritty win over Championship side Watford in round one, overcoming the Hornets 4-2 on penalties.

The O’s could have to deal with their former team mate Scott McGleish, who made the move to the Memorial Stadium following his release over the summer.

McGleish found the back of the net 18 times for Orient last season and Russell Slade will want to marshal his troops into keeping the forward quiet on the night.

With Rovers suffering relegation last season, Orient picked up six points from their clashes with the Pirates.

The visitors last won at Brisbane Road three seasons ago, claiming a 2-1 success in January 2009 with Adam Boyd grabbing Orient’s goal.

Although aware of the immediate task at hand, Slade said he was pleased with a potential trip to Blackburn.

The manager said: “That is the prize and that is great. We enjoyed our time playing West Brom last year and Arsenal so to play Blackburn would be super if we can get that far.”

He added it was important to go for the win tonight as he looks to instil confidence in his side, but is aware that some of his players need time on the pitch to get their fitness up.

He said: “It is getting the balance right I think really. There are players that do need football.

“The likes of Terrell (Forbes) need 90 minutes on the pitch but at the same time it is important for us to win a football match and breed a little bit of confidence back into the team.”