SIMPSON RETURN VITAL FOR O’s HOPES

ALEX CISAK says much of Leyton Orient’s promotion hopes rest on the fitness of Jay Simpson and Nigel Atangana.

Atangana and Simpson , both 27, have struggled with injury this season but returned in the O’s 1-0 home loss to Yeovil Town, giving manager Andy Hessenthaler a boost for the games to come.

Simpson was prolific for Orient last season – scoring 25 goals – and the striker was linked with a move to Southend throughout the summer, despite struggling with a back injury.

Cisak nevertheless knows how important the ex-Arsenal youth prospect is to their League Two ambitions, alongside the return of midfielder Atangana.

“Jay is a great player. He was our top goalscorer last year and, hopefully, he stays fit for the rest of the season and scores a lot of goals for us,” said the 27year-old goalkeeper.

“Nigel came into the team before his injury and did really well. I know the injury has been frustrating. It is good to have options for the gaffer.”