Jabo is ready for an emotional afternoon

FORMER Orient favourite Jabo Ibehre returns to Brisbane Road on Saturday with Walsall, and will be looking to stop the O s recording a fourth straight league win, writes TREVOR DAVIES. The striker admitted this week: I m really looking forward to the gam

FORMER Orient favourite Jabo Ibehre returns to Brisbane Road on Saturday with Walsall, and will be looking to stop the O's recording a fourth straight league win, writes TREVOR DAVIES.

The striker admitted this week: "I'm really looking forward to the game, but I will be a little nervous about the reception I'll get."

The 26-year-old Islington-born striker, started his career at Brisbane Road and played in over 200 league games for the club.

"It will be an emotional return, there's no doubt about that," admitted Ibehre, as he returns to Brisbane Road for the first time since last summer's free transfer.

The striker has made 28 league starts for the Saddlers this season plus a further four from the bench, and has been an almost permanent fixture in the side, netting six league goals in the process.

"It's been a lot of fun at Walsall and it's been really good for me. It's nice to be out of London. But I still keep in touch with a lot of the Orient lads, they are my mates," he said.

The O's won 2-0 when the two sides met in early September and Ibehre recalled: "That game happened so quickly after leaving Orient and it was difficult for me, but I don't think Saturday will be quite so daunting."

Walsall bounced back from a 5-0 home defeat against Bristol Rovers on Saturday with a 3-0 victory on Tuesday against Brighton - a result that did Orient a big favour in their relegation fight.

"We needed that after a heavy defeat," said Ibehre.

"I know Orient need the points, so I just hope that Saturday's game will be a fair result.

"A lot of my family and friends will be at the game, and it will be great to catch up with the Orient boys afterwards," he said.