Lloyd James believes he is in his best condition for years and is determined to make an impact during the run-in for Orient.

The midfielder made his return from an Achilles injury as a substitute during Saturday’s 1-0 win over Morecambe.

James had been out since December and is grateful for the help of fitness coach Craig Smith and physiotherapist Peter Webb in his recovery.

The former Southampton midfielder said: “It’s been a tough three months with the injury. I’ve done nothing but work my socks off and credit to Craig and Pete who kept me at it.

“I feel as fit as I have done for a very long time. All credit to those two because they’ve both been brilliant with me. I feel good and can’t wait for next week now.”

He continued: “I feel like any minutes I can get under my belt after being out that long help.

“But, like I said, I feel as fit as I have done and that’s all credit to Craig and Pete who kept me working hard and I feel good. Match sharpness obviously comes with more games but I was pleased with my contribution and just glad we got the result.”

James missed six months of last season with a broken leg and the 28-year-old admits not being able to play football is one of the tougher aspects of the job.

He said: “It was the same as last year really when I came back. They’re a brilliant bunch of fans and I really appreciate it.

“It was good to be out there and I’ve missed it so much, as you do being a professional footballer.

“When you’re sat in there on a Saturday cheering the lads on it’s not the same so when I got out there I was delighted and thoroughly enjoyed it especially when we got the goal.”

The Easter period is always an important time of year and the O’s are locked in a battle to reach the League Two play-offs.

Orient travel to Accrington Stanley on Friday but James is adamant the team have nothing to fear at the promotion challengers.

“They’re [Accrington] going to give us a tough test,” he said. “I think they’re a good side as you saw when they came here. But it’s a test that we’re going to relish.

“Let’s go up there and just see what we can get from the game and we’ll see where we are at the end of that.”