Orient head coach Ian Hendon insists he is not afraid to give young players a chance next season.

The League Two club agreed new deals with a group of the club's youngsters including Harry Lee last week.

Versatile midfielder Lee made four substitute appearances for the O's last season and has signed a one-year contract to remain at Brisbane Road.

Talented winger Sandro Semedo was handed a two-year contract after scoring four goals in 13 appearances for the youth team last season.

Midfielders Montel Agyemang and Freddy Moncur, defenders Jack Humphrey and Sam Ling and winger Scott Kashket also agreed contracts for next season.

Hendon said: "As I've said before there will be players coming in but it's good competition and I've no qualms in playing young lads if they're doing well and deserve a chance so they'll be on the bench or in the team."

Lee, Semedo and Kashket all started the second half of the 2-1 defeat at Braintree Town on Friday.

Hendon said: "He [Harry Lee] was out of contract and when I came in there was a lot of interest in him to be fair. I had managers ringing me up asking to take him and if I was going to re-sign him. I've seen him in training and you've seen what he's done today.

"He's a central midfielder who played at left-back and did ever so well in my opinion. He's a good lad with a good attitude and it was a no brainer to keep him. He was happy to sign. He may not go straight in the team but he's one that I think has got a chance especially moving forward.

"Sandro is a young lad and he needs a lot of coaching. He's got natural ability that's for sure. You can see that but we've got to nurture him along and coach him. I'm not sure how he has been treated in the past but he's been with the first team all pre-season and he's another one for the future but not necessarily is he going to play in the team.

"I've been very impressed with Scott Kashket. I think he should have scored tonight. He said the keeper made a good save. But Scott's got pace, he's bright and lively and again he's another one. You can't just get rid of young players because they're not going to feature. We've got to be looking forward and they are part of the squad."