Leyton Orient goalkeeper Adam Legzdins believes next week’s games against fellow strugglers Gillingham and Crewe could define their season.

The former Derby County shot-stopper made his first appearance since August, after returning from a fractured finger, as the O’s defeated Northampton Town for their first win of the season at home.

Orient are only two points off the bottom of League One but the summer signing believes the next week could turn their entire campaign around.

Legzdins said: “I think it’s massive for us. These three games could define our season.

“There are two league games which we think are winnable and in fairness we think all our games are winnable.

“We have got to remember we’re a good side and a team expected to do well this year. For reasons it’s gone against us but there have been enough excuses. It’s time to stop using those excuses, look at ourselves, pull our socks up and get on with it.

“These two games give us a great platform to build some momentum.

“Let’s turn Brisbane Road into a fortress and not have a monkey on our backs like it has been. The fans deserve better and we showed we’re a good side that can hopefully take it into the league.”

Ledgzdins has not been overly impressed with the standard of opposition in the division and still thinks the club can live up to their pre-season billing as promotion contenders if they get their act together quickly.

He said: “Of course anything’s possible. It's been frustrating watching from the side but I haven’t been amazingly impressed with some of the teams that we have played.

“Preston and MK Dons were probably the best we’ve played but I don't think we have to fear anyone. We just have to do the things we know we can do right. If we bring a bit more discipline to the side and do the right things then that can only go on the pitch.

“We know we’ve got the talent in there with a fantastic squad of players. We’re more than capable of getting up this league.

“It’s just a case of getting the confidence and doing the right things and these two games are ideal for us.”

Legzdins started the season in goal for the O’s but his injury handed a chance to Gary Woods. The ambitious keeper hopes he has done enough to keep hold of the shirt for Saturday.

The 27-year-old said: “I was just itching to play and it was horrible watching on the sides. With such an innocuous injury like a finger any other player would be able to carry on.

“But for a goalkeeper it was like any other fracture which I had to wait to heal. It’s been frustrating but it was a great game for me to come back in. I was grateful for being selected and it's always nice to keep a clean sheet so that was my aim today.”

Legzdins added: “I came here to play games and that’s what I’ve always said. Gary’s done very well himself but I just want to put my head down and work hard and make sure the transition of coming back in would go smoothly.

“Credit to Lee Southernwood (head of sports science), Kevin Dearden (goalkeeper coach) and the physios who enabled me to work hard over the last seven weeks. I felt good when I played today.”