Leyton Orient will be without right-back Tom James for the trip away to Port Vale this weekend as boss Kenny Jackett will be forced to rotate his squad.

The O’s will make the trip to Vale Park on Saturday as they look to continue building on their positive start to the new campaign.

Craig Clay could be deployed as a right-back in the absence of 25-year-old who misses out after picking up five yellow cards.

“That’s his fifth booking and he’ll be unavailable for one game. There are options, you have to get round these things. Injuries and suspensions do happen,” Jackett said.

“When it comes we’ll be organised and ready.”

Hackney Gazette: Craig Clay of Leyton Orient and Ollie Clarke of Mansfield Town during Leyton Orient vs Mansfield Town, Sky Bet EFL League 2 Football at The Breyer Group Stadium on 25th September 2021Craig Clay of Leyton Orient and Ollie Clarke of Mansfield Town during Leyton Orient vs Mansfield Town, Sky Bet EFL League 2 Football at The Breyer Group Stadium on 25th September 2021 (Image: ©TGS Photo tgsphoto.co.uk +44 1376 553468)

The boss is eager for his side to become more consistent as they sit second and can really push on if they continue to pick up points regularly.

“Alot of draws in our division, all of the top three all drew 0-0, so it’s very tight we know that. We want to develop consistency.

“Performance wise we were very good, and if we play like that, there was a lot right that we can build on going forward.”

Young forward Ruel Sotiriou will have to continue to bide his time for chances but the boss has been impressed by the 21-year-old.

“He has dipped to head it, when it was an easy volley, but he was very good in the box. We all know that. I can tell from the reaction of the crowd they think there could be a goal so he is well rated here.

“In my short time here the goal against Bradford was a good one and a key one. That chance he couldn’t quite put it the right side of the post.”

Jackett also provided an update on Paul Smyth, Adam Thompson and Callum Reilly with Smyth edging back towards contention.

“Paul Smyth will be training this week, which is a good one, and it’s been a frustrating season for him so far.

“For us our front line that will be a good addition. For Adam Thompson it will be a little bit longer, maybe another week or two to training.

“Reilly has a groin injury and certainly won’t be around for the next three games.”