Leyton Orient face a difficult trip to promotion chasing Preston tomorrow night in the live televised League One clash.

Striker Darius Henderson, who has been out since being sent off at Port Vale in October, is closing in on a return to fitness following a foot injury and the summer signing could potentially be involved at Deepdale.

Liverani said: “The closest to returning seems to be Darius Henderson but of course he needs to get to full fitness and return to full training but he’s probably the one that is nearest to coming back.”

Despite their lowly position in the table, Liverani believes his team are capable of holding their own against the better sides in the division.

The Italian said: “The games are as difficult for us as the games that came before. But I believe if we play as they did for the second half, apart from 30 seconds, then we can be on a par with everyone so we are aware of our strengths.”

Everton midfielder John Lundstram is in line to make his first start since rejoining the club on loan until next month. He came off the bench against Fleetwood Town but could get the nod to start ahead of Josh Wright at Deepdale.

Liverani said: “We needed a player first of all because we only had two midfielders available which is not enough for the whole season. It gives us an alternative if we want to play with three players in midfield. He can play as a holding midfielder or as a playmaker so he’s a player that is a good addition to the squad.”

There is an unlikely to be an appearance from former O's keeper Jamie Jones after the shot stopper lost his place in the Preston side two months ago.