 He rejected apprenticeships at Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur in favour of training with the Leyton Orient first team on the promise of a professional contract on his 17th-birthday.He made his senior début at Orient under Peter Eustace just three days after his 17th-birthday, in a defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion at the Goldstone Ground.He spent close to two seasons at Brisbane Road, and scored five goals in 66 league and cup appearances for the club.