Liam Kelly is hoping he will be able to offer some leadership and guidance to the squad as Leyton Orient aim for promotion in the 2016/17 season.

The 26-year-old, who came on for the second half of Orient’s 2-0 win over Woking to secure their second pre-season friendly victory on Tuesday, was captain for Oldham Athletic before making the switch to E10.

Kelly also said he thought the best way for the team to get ready for the start of the new campaign on Saturday, August 6 is getting game time.

He said: “The best way to learn is on the pitch, it is nice training and that, but I think the more games you play, the more you click.

“Games are where you improve and it is the best place to learn so I think the more games we play the better things will get.

“There are experienced players here but there are some young players as well so if I can contribute in any way, it will be something I am looking to do.

“Obviously I will want to help the young lads because I think there are a good few young players in the team and hopefully they will play their part this season.

“But we need a full strength squad for the season and it is something I am looking forward to.”

Kelly is one of O’s boss Andy Hessenthaler’s eight summer signings and while he will have to fight with Sammy Moore, Robbie Weir and Nigel Atangana for a starting position in midfield he believes that is a positive.

“I think it is good to have some competition, but I think throughout the course of the season everyone is going to be needed,” he said.

“There are a lot of games to be played and there may be a few suspensions so we need the full strength of the squad to help us gain what we want to achieve. And that is getting promoted.”

Kelly was a key figure following Hessenthaler’s half-time substitutions against Woking as he almost helped the O’s score a third after setting up Paul McCallum, who headed off the bar.

Orient opened the scoring when Dean Cox, who scored his first goal since November 7 after a lengthy period on the sidelines, drilled the ball into the far corner to the delight of the away fans.

Cox then turned creator as he played in McCallum, who took a touch before he slotted home the O’s second of the night in the 70th minute.

The midfielder also said going to Italy on a pre-season tour was a good bonding exercise and the hot weather helped with this week’s London heatwave in regards to training and with his own fitness levels.

He added: “I feel hot, very hot, I am roasting, but no I am feeling good fitness wise as I am getting up and down the pitch well.

“We have had a good pre-season so far and lads are looking fit and looking strong.

“But hopefully on Saturday I will get more minutes under my belt.”

O’s will face former boss Russell Slade and assistant manager Kevin Nugent at Brisbane Road on Saturday as they host Charlton Athletic in their next pre-season friendly, which kicks off at 3pm.

Kelly thinks it will be good to face a tougher test against a League One side in their preparation for the start of the season against Cheltenham Town.

He said: “There have been a lot of players used in the last couple of games and I think the team will take a little bit more shape on Saturday.

“And I think it will be good to test ourselves as the Charlton team look good as they will be looking to get promoted from League One.

“It will be a good test for us.”

Kelly also said he was looking forward to playing his first game at the Matchroom Stadium since joining the O’s at the start of the summer.

“I am looking forward to getting back out on the pitch in what will be a good competitive game and it is nice to get your first home game under way,” he said.

“I am really looking forward to getting to know my new surroundings as you play 20, 30 games there a season.”