Steele must show his cutting edge

Martin Ling is backing Lee Steele to end his goal famine at Shrewsbury tomorrow.

The Orient striker, who was the leading scorer in League Two earlier in the campaign when he raced to 11 goals, has failed to find the net since returning from a two-month lay-off at the turn of the year.

"It happens with strikers sometimes that they get in a bit of a rut and Lee definitely needs to get a bit of confidence back with a goal," said manager Ling.

"I'm still more than happy to have him in the side for his general contribution, but that needs to be combined with goals."

Orient are only two points off a play-off place and Ling knows his side must return with a victory if they are to mount a promotion challenge.

"If we are looking to do anything this season we have got to take games like this by the scruff of the neck," he said.

"But the pitch, which is probably the worst in the league, will be a great leveller. We might have to get the ball into the right areas quicker than we normally would."

Jabo Ibehre, Mark Peters and Wayne Carlisle remain sidelined.