Alan Dunne admitted he was delighted with how Leyton Orient’s youngsters reacted in their 1-0 loss over Brighton & Hove Albion’s Under-23s in the Checktrade Trophy.

The four former youth players impressed O’s boss Alberto Cavasin, who said some could enter his starting XI come Saturday against Colchester United.

Dunne took the captain’s armband for the second half in what was an improved performance after a 6-0 FA Cup defeat to Sheffield United at the weekend.

The former Millwall player said: “It was really positive from the youngsters. To come to a stadium like Brighton, knowing you are going to play against a decent footballing side, it is a great experience for our young boys.

“It is a great test for them. I like playing in games when I am helping the younger players. It reminds me of when I was playing at that age.

“And I think there are a lot of positives to take. They can learn from it. We were disappointed with the result as no one likes to lose.

“But I think after Sunday, we showed some positive signs and what the future is for Orient with the young players coming through.”

Orient currently sit 23rd in the League Two table after they lost 2-0 to Crewe Alexandra at Brisbane Road nearly two weeks ago, and the question remains when the right time will come for younger players to make the transition into the senior team.

“It is difficult now,” added the 34-year-old. “But I think there is no fear with youngsters when they go into the game. They are fearless.

“At the time when there is no pressure on them they can go into it. They have no pressure on their shoulders.

“I thought Aron did really well, I thought Myles came on and did well up against a player like Kazenga LuaLua.

“He is a good player and he did well. There are signs for the young players but you have got to bed them in.

“At the moment points are vital for us. There is a fine line between dipping them in and jeopardising someone.

“I think if they do go in, I have every faith they will perform, given the chance, whoever goes in there. But after there were some positives to take from it.”

Dunne has been at only two clubs in his career, but was out of favour for a year at Brisbane Road, and when Andy Hessenthaler revealed the defender was not in his plans.

But his fortunes changed with the appointment of Cavasin and he made his first start in more than 12 months on Sunday.

He added: “Football can change very quickly. I spent 23 years at Millwall. The door was never closed and no matter what the manager says, the door is never closed at any club.

“I stayed at Millwall so long that I never went and changed [clubs]. I know football can change if you get a chance.

“I have sat here and eventually I have got a chance. But I have always been respectful of the club and to the players.

“And I have always had my head down and I have never moaned about it. I am old enough to know everything can change. It is nice to be back in amongst the lads.

“Now I want to move forward and help the club gets some points on the board because that is what the most important thing is.”