ORIENT midfielder Jason Demetriou has tipped striker Ryan Jarvis to be a big hit this season, writes TREVOR DAVIES. Jarvis was the surprise inclusion in the starting day line-up at Bristol Rovers on Saturday and emerged as the star of the show. Last seaso

ORIENT midfielder Jason Demetriou has tipped striker Ryan Jarvis to be a big hit this season, writes TREVOR DAVIES.

Jarvis was the surprise inclusion in the starting day line-up at Bristol Rovers on Saturday and emerged as the star of the show.

Last season was one to forget for the 23-year-old Fakenham-born striker, who failed to score in 16 league starts, plus another 16 appearances from the bench.

But on Saturday, Jarvis emerged from the shadows and gave the Bristol Rovers defenders a thorough examination as he and Scott McGleish proved to be a handful.

Demetriou is convinced Jarvis, who started his career at Norwich, will make a much bigger impression this season.

"We have got four good forwards and I'm sure that between them they will weigh in with 40 goals this season," he said.

"You only have to watch the boys in training and they can really finish," added the young midfielder, who paid tribute to the way Jarvis has bounced back this season.

"Ryan was outstanding on Saturday, and all credit to him, because he has been our best player in pre-season.

"He's like the Ryan Jarvis of old, who made a big impression when he came here on loan."

Despite a superb display from the striker, it was two of the midfielders that chipped in with the goals on Saturday, as first JJ Melligan and then Jimmy Smith hit the target.

"To score a couple of goals from midfield is excellent," said Demetriou.

"If we are going to do well this season, then the midfielders have got to chip in and that's what happened on Saturday."

The O's also triumphed 2-1 at Colchester in the Carling Cup on Tuesday night, with Melligan again on target, while striker Adrian Patulea netted on his debut.

And Demetriou's view on the free-scoring frontline was echoed by O's boss Geraint Williams, who said: "We've said that we have got four decent strikers who can all score goals.

"Ryan Jarvis and Scott McGleish worked their socks off on Saturday, so we gave James Scowcroft and Adrian Patulea the opportunity at Colchester and, if we get quality balls into the box, Adrian will score."

Demetriou, who moved into the centre of midfield for Tuesday's night Carling Cup clash, was delighted with the opening day success and admitted: "We really couldn't have asked for a better start, and to win at Bristol Rovers is not easy.

"I don't think there will be too many sides who will pick up points there this season. Bristol Rovers are a big, strong side, who are well supported, so to come away with a win was excellent."

But what pleased the midfielder more than anything, was the excellent team performance. "Every player was sensational. The back four were as solid as a rock, the midfielders worked their socks off, and the two boys up front worked hard, closed people down and looked dangerous. It really is a recipe for success," said Demetriou.

O's now have successive home games in the league, as they entertain Oldham Athletic on Saturday and then play hosts to Charlton Athletic next Tuesday in a derby duel, and Demetriou wants the side to build on their good start.

"It's weird really. Had we lost on Saturday, then it would have been all doom and gloom going to Colchester.

"But a win changes everything, and you could feel that everyone upped the tempo 10 per cent at training on Monday.

"We were really buzzing. Saturday's win was a massive confidence boost for us and, hopefully, we can build on that.

"A couple of seasons ago we had a really good start and because we had the points on the board, it kept us in contention, even when we had a bad run.

"It's massively important to get off to a good start. It gives everyone a lift and it's important we try and build on that with the two home matches coming up.

"We have got to try and win our home games and turn Brisbane Road into a fortress.

"If we can keep working hard, I really think we will surprise a few people this season.