Simkin 'can be better than Keeley' - Wellens

Tommy Simkin has kept two clean sheets in four appearances since joining Leyton Orient on loan from Stoke City

Leyton Orient head coach Richie Wellens says goalkeeper Tommy Simkin has the potential to be better than last seen's on-loan stopper Josh Keeley.

Keeley kept 16 clean sheets in 45 matches while on from Tottenham last term and has since made a permanent move to Luton Town.

Simkin has been brought in on loan from Stoke City in his place and has played in all four of the O's League One games of the season so far and kept his second clean sheet in a 1-0 win against Plymouth Argyle on Tuesday.

"I think Tommy's been outstanding since the first moment he walked through the door," Wellens told BBC Radio London.

"He's got good stature, his mentality is good. He's hungry to succeed in the game. And with our history of keepers, [Lawrence] Vigouroux, Sol Brynn, Josh Keeley – he has the potential to be as good, if not better than all them, so we're really pleased.

"It's only the start, but in the last few weeks he couldn't really do anything at the Stockport goals, but the opposition have got to work hard to get the ball past him because he's really good."

O's striker Josh Koroma also impressed against the Pilgrims, beating the offside trap to score the winning goal.

It was his second goal since returning to the club from Huddersfield Town this summer.

Sierra Leone international Koroma, 26, began his career at Brisbane Road and scored 20 goals in 97 appearances before joining Huddersfield in 2019.

"It's something that we work on, the way that we press and then to get into areas straightaway," Wellens said.

"And it was a terrific finish. He didn't panic, he let it bounce, he was set, kept the defender at arm's length, so terrific finish and Josh has started really, really well for us.

"I think his sharpness and his hunger to run has led to a position where he looks really fit, and he's a goalscorer - he's proven that over the years."

Josh Koroma has scored two goals since returning to Leyton Orient from Huddersfield Town

Orient have begun the season with two wins, a draw and a defeat from their opening four League One matches.

They next face 12th-placed Mansfield Town on Saturday.

"Our start has been positive," Wellens added.

"We've played a big-spending team, we've played a play-off team from last year and we've played a relegated team away from home, who were expected right to be up there, and we've got seven points, so it's a lot better than last year."