Steve Davis says Macauley Bonne’s international call-up must be viewed as a positive, despite the forward missing Leyton Orient’s clash with Ebbsfleet United on Saturday.

The 22-year-old, who with eight goals this term is someway clear as the O’s top scorer, has been selected by Zimbabwe for their clash with Namibia.

The O’s will, therefore, have to make do without Bonne at Stonebridge Road as they look to secure their first National League win since September 2.

While Davis accepts losing a player of Bonne’s quality is a blow, he insists Orient will not allow his absence to define Saturday’s game.

“Zimbabwe have come calling for Macca and he has decided to go. We are not going to stand in a player’s way if they want to do that,” Davis said.

“We fully understand form his point of view he wants to play for his country. It is an honour and we will just have to cover for him and see what we can do.

“No [the timing is not great] but, as I say, we can’t do much about it and have to deal with it. We can either use it as an excuse or be positive and try to do something new.”

Bonne’s international commitments may be shearing Davis of one of his key attacking outlets, but he has been boosted by good news on the injury front.

Both Jobi McAnuff and Dan Happe have been suffering with injuries and Davis says the duo should be available for the clash with Ebbsfleet.

“Jobi is struggling with his toe. We thought he had broken it so he went for an x-ray and he has some bruising there,” he said.

“He should be back for the weekend, James Brophy as well and hopefully Dan Happe.

“Dan just blocked a shot and he has bent his foot back. He has strained the ligaments and has some swelling. Hopefully he will be back for Ebbsfleet.

“We are starting to get a few bodies back and haven’t had it often enough where we have enough players to pick from.”

Saturday’s clash sees Orient play in front of the BT Sport cameras, with kick-off being pushed back to 5.30pm as a result.

The O’s have failed to take a point from any of the three televised games they have played this term - a fact Davis wants to change against United.

“I am hoping it is fourth time lucky. We have not had too much success when we have been on TV, although we were excellent in the Hartlepool game and lost that match,” Davis said.

“It is just another game. We need to take it a game at a time and have a full week to prepare for the match.”