Paul Brush was dealt a cruel blow this week, when he was told that Greg Heald will struggle to make the start of new season after it was revealed that the Orient defender needs a hip operation after suffering a knock on an old injury against Rushden on Saturday.

The 31-year-old has looked assured in the heart of the O's defence since his move from Barnet to Brisbane Road last month and with the departure of Andy Harris has been viewed not only as a key figure in Brush's side, but a future Orient captain as well.

Talking this week, a dejected Brush said: "It is a big blow, but I'm trying to tell myself that it isn't a massive one, because he is only likely to miss two weeks at the start of the season, which is better than him doing it at Christmas and being out for months.

"Greg did have two weeks out a fortnight before we signed him from Barnet, but while at the time it wasn't classed as long term injury because he passed the medical it has flared up after he jarred it on Saturday against Rushden after he fell awkwardly following a tackle.

"But it is costly and a massive choker to have him ruled out, because he has played ever so well since he joined us, and the fact that he can't have the operation for two weeks because the surgeon is away on holiday means it is eating into the start of next season, which I have already started planning for. You do hope to have everybody fit, particularly those with Greg's leadership qualities around for pre-season training. And yes, he is a prime to be captain here next year."

May 1, 2003 11:30