Ryan Brunt has set himself a target of ten goals by the end of December as he looks to fire the O’s into contention for the play-offs.

The powerful striker, who is on loan from Stoke City, headed Leyton Orient to the three points against Hartlepool United on Tuesday night with his third goal of the season.

Brunt believes he can get a bundle more before the new year and the teenager is intent on holding down a place in the first team.

The 19-year-old, who played his first full 90 minutes of the campaign in the midweek win, said: “I’d like to aim for ten before January. That would be a good target and then I could push on from there.

“It’s always good to have a target in mind. I’d love to double that by the end of the season and you have to think positively, don’t you?

“If we build on our results now then we need to try and get in the play-offs. There’s no stopping us. We’re no worse than the sides around us and I think we’re much better than some of them. If we can get a couple of good results up to Christmas and into January then we’re going to be in or around it.”

Brunt had a number of chances against Hartlepool and could have walked away with a hat-trick but the promising front man believes he will improve his ratio in front of goal with a consistent run of games.

He said: “It was a good bounce back from the poor result at the weekend. It was good to get the three points and pleasing for me to get a goal.

“Walking into the changing room, I was kicking myself because I could have had a hat-trick. I think with games the composure will come. I was in the box and I could have taken a touch instead of hitting it first time but I think that will come with a run of games.”

Brunt is enjoying his spell with the O’s and is keen to extend his stay beyond January, assuming he continues to make an impression for the team. The target man said: “I love it here. I’ve played a fair amount of games now but I had a niggle on my hamstring last week which was why I wasn’t involved in the Johnstone’s Paint match. Hopefully I’m getting fitter and stronger every game I play.

“Every match I play now hopefully I will score some goals and get fitter and stronger which will make me a better player.

“I’m here until the start of January but hopefully if I do well, then I can stay for the rest of the season. If I’m doing well and playing than I’d definitely like to stay.”