Chris Dagnall believes the problems at Leyton Orient this season have been exaggerated and insists the spirit in the squad is still strong.

The O’s are working under their fourth manager of the season and have been near the bottom of the table after a hugely disappointing first half of the campaign.

But Dagnall scored twice in a vital 4-1 home win over Crawley Town on Boxing Day before netting in Monday’s win at Yeovil to end the year on a high.

Speaking after the Crawley win, the striker said: “There always is pessimism when a team are struggling. Everyone picks at every little point going wrong and it all gets exaggerated. The players are all still together and the spirit’s very high.

“We have had a lot of managerial changes but it’s still the same players and we’ve got to go and produce every week. It’s down to us in the end and if we keep producing performances like this, which we know we can do, hopefully there won’t be too many more changes.”

Dagnall added: “The spirit is getting a lot better. The players are getting back to full fitness and the spirit is only getting better. If we keep getting wins then it will only improve the spirit and hopefully get the fans back behind us.”

New manager Fabio Liverani arrived in the country without speaking English but is trying to learn the language as quickly as possible. Dagnall believes everyone needs to be patient with the Italian and thinks he will be a success as long as he is given enough time.

Dagnall said: “We have to take it easy on him. It’s been tough coming to an English club and he can’t speak much English but he’s learning fast and starting to get his point across. We were in training on Christmas Day so we can understand how he wants to play. I think the more games we have playing under him the better and he will succeed.

“It’s been good. I enjoy training, I really do. He’s learning quicker and quicker and starting to get his point across and we’re learning how we wants to play which is a positive.”

Dagnall was forced to miss three games recently after being sent off at Bradford City and the striker admits it was difficult being unable to influence the side despite being fully fit.

The former Barnsley striker, who netted twice against Crawley, said: “It’s been a frustrating time for myself and a long four weeks. But it’s nice to get back in the team and notch two goals.

“It’s really frustrating especially being fit and healthy and ready to go. There’s nothing worse than sitting on the sideline when you’re fit to play and sent off to an undeserved red card in my opinion. It’s been a long four weeks but it’s good to get back.”

There are signs that Orient’s injury crisis could be clearing up with Kevin Lisbie back on the bench against Crawley before starting and scoring at Yeovil Town.

The O’s have seven senior strikers in the squad, when all fit, and competition to lead the attack could warm up in the new year.

Dagnall said: “Once everyone’s back, including Kevin Lisbie, Gianvito Plasmati and Shaun Batt, there will be six or seven forwards fighting for those two places. It means you’ve got to keep getting the goals to stay in the team.

“The strikers are all getting back fit now and we’re going to have a few ready for the next game in January so I need to keep fit, keep the goals up and not get sent off again and hopefully I will stay in the team.”

There has been plenty of speculation over how much transfer activity will take place in January but more performances like the Crawley game could be enough to keep the current squad intact.

The 28-year-old said: “The manager said in a meeting the press keep asking about what he will do in the transfer window. But he said if we keep playing like that he won’t need to sign any players.”