There was a familiar face in the opposition ranks at Brisbane Road on Tuesday night as Orient lined up against promotion hopefuls Huddersfield Town.

Defender Tom Clarke started 12 games for Russell Slade’s side during a loan spell earlier in the campaign but the midweek meeting saw him successfully help his parent club claim maximum points against his former team-mates.

And Tuesday was also Clarke’s 100th senior start, meaning on a personal note, it was a double celebration as he enjoyed a happy return to E10.

Orient’s league position has fluctuated somewhat since he returned to the Galpharm Stadium, but with the O’s only five points away from trouble, Clarke is confident they will playing League One football in August.

Asked if he felt Slade’s side would avoid the drop, Clarke replied: “Most definitely. They have got the players to do it and the manager as well so they will be fine.”

He continued: “They are a brilliant team. They have got some good players – some good quality players – you could see that when they went a goal up.

“They have got some decent players and I think they just need to keep doing what they are doing. I think they will be fine.”

Clarke has fond memories of his time in the East End and watched on in the stands last week as the O’s claimed three points at Oldham Athletic.

The Terriers academy graduate admitted he has been looking forward to his return to Orient but said there were no split loyalties on the pitch.

“I still keep in touch with a couple of the lads. I still talk to them and I went to watch them against Oldham and they got a good result there,” he continued.

“Obviously it got rearranged but it has been on my mind a little bit, coming back and seeing the lads.

“I came here and I enjoyed my time here but the main thing tonight was to get the result and that is what we did.”

He added: “You have to be professional. I am a Huddersfield lad and I wanted the result we got here tonight.

“Obviously I enjoyed my time here immensely. The fans were brilliant. The lads and the manager were brilliant but the main thing was the result and to kick on for a big game on Saturday.”