Leyton Orient midfielder Michael Collins admitted there have been initial talks to extend his contract at Brisbane Road but feels the team’s fortunes are more important.

The 30-year-old, whose short-term deal expires at the end of January, received the man-of-the-match award in their 3-2 victory over Crawley Town on Boxing Day and it looks as though January may be a busy period for the O’s.

Sam Dalby opened the scoring in the fourth minute before Paul McCallum scored twice in the first half to seal the three points after the O’s held off a second-half comeback from their opponents.

Collins said: “There are always initial talks with this that and the other, but this is a very busy period so it is difficult to try and find the time to sit down and discuss it.

“I am respectful of that. I think the team and getting points on the board is far more important rather than what Michael Collins is doing.

“I am just part of the process so I respect that. I am sure coming into the New Year everyone will come together and decide what we are doing, either way.”

"Whenever I am asked to, I just give 100 per cent to the cause.”

Collins demonstrated his leadership skills on the pitch in the win, calling players back into their positions and making vital clearances when needed against the Reds.

When asked if this came naturally to him, he said: “I think that comes a little bit more naturally as you get older.

“I am quite experienced at how League Two works and we had a conversation at half-time. I kind of knew how the game would pan out but I had an idea it might go that way because it is the nature of so many games I have been involved in.

“As much as you try and make sure everyone is at it, there is an element of that comfort zone we try to avoid.

“But naturally you slip into it a little bit but the most important thing is we got the three points and me giving someone a little jig up or a little bit of a talking to, to help us get there – so be it.”

The midfielder was full of praise for the O’s strike duo of Dalby and McCallum with the 17-year-old particularly impressing him.

“It is great to see a youngster come through any club. He has come through the academy and I have seen enough of Dalbs now to know that the club have a talent on their hands.

“And it is just a case of managing him. Credit to the gaffer for throwing him in. When you are in a situation where we are up against it, he obviously had enough faith and belief in him.

“But what a lift that must be for a young lad. I asked him his age and I was stunned when he told me. I thought he was about 21.

“So for somebody to go in there and have no fear and have the impact that he did, I am delighted for him and his family that he has managed to nick a goal as well.

“But credit to him, right place, right time. Sign of a great striker.

“We won’t get carried away with him, we will keep him grounded but it is great to see a local lad come through.

“Talking about a leader, Macca (Paul McCallum) is a great leader in the dressing room.

“He is a great character. In every dressing room you come across people like that and if you write a book you will mention a Macca for sure. He is a great person to have up front with Dalbs as he is going to help him through. They worked really well together, both dangerous, both sharp and it bodes well for us that they managed to get the goals.

“Gavin Massey was also a real handful in the first half and was our outlet in the second. Massive credit to him as well.”

The O’s have a quick turnaround this week with Cambridge United visiting on New Year’s Eve (1pm kick-off) before they travel to Exeter City on Monday, January 2 (3pm kick-off).