ORIENT head for Southend on Friday niht looking to extend their unbeaten away record and will be boosted by the arrival of Swansea City s Kristian O Leary, writes TREVOR DAVIES. The 32-year-old Welshman has joined the club on a month-long loan, and playe

ORIENT head for Southend on Friday niht looking to extend their unbeaten away record and will be boosted by the arrival of Swansea City's Kristian O'Leary, writes TREVOR DAVIES.

The 32-year-old Welshman has joined the club on a month-long loan, and played for an hour in Tuesday's reserve team game against Brighton, which the O's lost 3-1.

He's the longest serving player at Swansea, but his first team opportunities have been limited recently.

O'Leary has spent the whole of his career at Swansea, and played with O's assistant manager Kevin Nugent at the Liberty Stadium, and will give manager Geraint Williams cover in several positions.

He played in midfield on Tuesday for the O's, and although that's his favoured position, the former Swans skipper can play at centre half and right back and, with such a thin squad, his versatility will be a big bonus for the O's boss.

Williams will be without midfielder Jason Demetriou tomorrow night, as he is away on international duty with Cyprus, while defender Ben Chorley (hamstring) and goalkeeper Jamie Jones (hip), were hoping to resume training today (Thursday), and are likely to face fitness checks ahead of the Southend game.

O'Leary could deputise for Demetriou or Chorley, and with Tottenham's Andros Townsend extending his loan deal until December 31, it means the O's boss does have a few more options, especially with the transfer window closing on Tuesday night without any last-minute departures.

Williams was delighted with the fact that the Spurs youngster will be staying and explained: "I've spoken to Harry Redknapp, and he's happy with the football tuition Andros is getting here."

The 18-year-old has been named in England's under-19 squad for next Tuesday's international against Russia and Williams added: "He's with a good group of lads here and we're delighted with the young man."

Williams is also delighted that midfielder Adam Chambers is fit again and has appeared as a substitute in Orient's last two home games.

He, along with O'Leary, is a contender to start at Roots Hall on Friday.

Chambers has been out of action since early March, and Williams admitted that it's like signing a new player, now he is on his way back.

"All Adam needs is time on the pitch and it's good to have another strong character out there," he said.

However, the arrival of O'Leary, the extension of Townsend's loan and the return of Chambers, is tempered by the fact that O's have their fair share of injury worries.

Goalkeeper Jones, injured against Stoke last week, was ruled out of Saturday's clash with Carlisle, as was Chorley, who has a hamstring problem.

"Ben felt fine after the Stoke game," admitted Williams. "But his hamstring didn't feel right on Friday. It felt tight and we didn't want to risk it and do some long-term damage.

"It depends how quickly it settles down before we know whether he will be ready for Southend."

While Sean Thornton is likely to be out for six weeks after undergoing knee surgery last week, as the midfielder suffered a torn cartilage just before the end of the recent match against Charlton Athletic.

After a hectic start to the season, Williams was thankful there was no midweek match.

"The main thing is to get the players rested after such a hectic start. A lot of them have played an awful lot of football and have earned a rest," he said.

"But we're looking forward to going to Southend, we have done well on the road and we will be looking to pick up another three points.