ORIENT S survival hopes have been given a massive boost with the news that star defender Tamika Mkandawire is not as badly injured as was first feared. Mkandawire limped out of last Saturday s game against Walsall with a medial knee ligament injury, but h

ORIENT'S survival hopes have been given a massive boost with the news that star defender Tamika Mkandawire is not as badly injured as was first feared.

Mkandawire limped out of last Saturday's game against Walsall with a medial knee ligament injury, but has already returned to light training and should be available for the relegation scrap at basement boys Cheltenham Town at the end of the month.

The defender has been a key figure for the O's this season and with him being back in action sooner, rather than later, it became less of a priority for manager Geraint Williams to move into the loan market before the window slammed shut today. (Thursday).

"We have Alton Thelwell here, and so if I was going to bring anyone in, it would have to be an experienced central defender. There is no point bringing anyone in just to make up the numbers," said the Orient boss.