Veteran striker acknowledges important role

Tomorrow will mark a first Wembley appearance for Orient’s veteran goalgetter Kevin Lisbie.

But the 35-year-old has graced the big arenas more than most of his colleagues.

Lisbie has scored a last-minute winner at Stamford Bridge and walked out at massive stadiums like Old Trafford and Anfield - and the former Jamaica international thinks he has a crucial role in helping to settle his colleagues this weekend.

“As a senior pro, it’s my duty to help the young boys,” said Lisbie.

“It’s been a hard season, but I think we deserve a crack at the Championship.

“I believe there are a lot of Championship quality players in the dressing room. Players want to play at a higher level, it’s just a matter of getting there.”

With so little to chose between the O’s and opponents Rotherham United - only goal difference separated them in the League One table - the winners could be the team which settles quickest.

Lisbie believes it is important his team do not get “overawed” so they can finish the season with a golden flourish.

He added: “We’ve both shown in the play-offs we’re capable of taking the emotion out of the game.

“We both won the home games and now we’re playing at a neutral ground. Obviously it’s closer to us so we’ll try and make it a home game, but it will be a tough one because they’re a good side.

“Player for player, we’re just as good as them, take the money and the stadium out of it.”

Lisbie, who has bagged 18 goals in a productive season - enough to earn him a contract for 2014/15 irrespective of what division Orient are in - admits he’s visualised scoring at Wembley, like his strike partner David Mooney.

He added: “It’s important to be positive and I believe in this team.”