Omer Riza has praised Myles Judd’s attitude following the Leyton Orient academy graduate’s impressive start to the National League campaign.

The right-back had to wait patiently for his chance during the early weeks of the season, having been left out of the match-day squad by head coach Justin Edinburgh for Orient’s opening matches against Salford City, Ebbsfleet United and Barrow.

But Judd was thrust into the starting line-up for the O’s trip to Maidstone United in August and has remained a fixture in the side ever since, meaning that the fit again Sam Ling has had to contend with a place among the substitutes.

The 19-year-old has helped Orient keep five clean sheets so far and his energy has proven to be a useful outlet for the East London side, with the young right-back not afraid to get forward to support the O’s attacks.

Judd has always been one to watch at Brisbane Road since he was named LFE Apprentice of the Year for League 2 in April 2017 and former Orient boss Riza knows only too well about his talent, having worked with the right-back during his time in charge of the Under-16s and Under-18s.

Riza also worked with the 19-year-old in a first team environment during the 2016/17 campaign where Judd made 21 appearances in all competitions, but couldn’t prevent the O’s from being relegated from the Football League for the first time in 112 years.

The former Orient boss, who now works for Watford’s academy, believes Judd has all the qualities which are needed to be successful and feels the competition for places in Orient’s squad will be invaluable to the right-back in the long run.

Riza said: “Myles is an aggressive, tenacious player. For a full-back, those attributes are very important. To be able to be on the front foot and nick balls off of attackers early and to read the game are all important. Myles has got all those qualities and that position is his really.

“There’s Sam Ling there whose coming back from injury and it’s good to have competition. It’s good that those two can fight it out for that spot.

“Myles has been great and he’s got a great attitude. He’s always had a great attitude and is hard working. Hopefully it will continue. It’s good that you’ve got the squad there where you can put people in and take people out and it doesn’t make much difference.”