SEAN THORNTON is delighted to be back in Orient's starting line-up.

The midfielder found himself out of favour at Brisbane Road earlier this season and was loaned to Shrewsbury Town, but he is determined to make the most of his fresh start.

He said: "It means everything for me to be back in the starting line-up. A couple of months ago I went out to Shrewsbury and, without being disrespectful to them, I don't want to be playing League Two football at this stage of my career.

"I knew that if I went there and put in some good performances, it would give me a chance when I came back here.

"I was ready to come back. Shrewsbury wanted to keep me, but deep down I wanted to return to Orient - back here where I live, with my family, and where I enjoy my football.

"I had got a bit complacent before my spell at Shrewsbury, but I've knuckled down and everything seems to be alright now - I'm working hard in training and I'll always give 100% when I play."

Thornton thought Orient were deserving of their 1-0 victory over Hartlepool last week and he is sure they can use it as a building block.

"It was good for the team to get the result last week," he continued.  "It was our first win for 11 games, so it was hugely important to end that run.

"It's especially good for the fans, because they've been waiting a long time for that and they've stuck with us.

"But it's nice to get that first win and now we have to carry on from there.

"It's hard to get that first win, but winning breeds confidence and Saturday's victory will help in that respect.

"You can see around the training ground this week that our confidence has improved.  We'll go to Colchester on Saturday knowing that if we play well we'll be able to get a result."