Dale Gorman is relishing the chance of playing alongside Charlie Lee and Jobi McAnuff once again for Leyton Orient.

The former Northern Ireland under-21 international knows only too well about the quality that both Lee and McAnuff possess, having played with the experienced Orient duo during his time with Stevenage.

Many O’s fans will be hoping that both Gorman and Lee, in particular, can strike up a similar partnership with Orient, after the pair regularly lined up alongside each other in Stevenage’s midfield for two seasons.

Lee moved to East London last summer after his contract with the League Two side expired and it’s fair to say that his Orient career hasn’t taken off just yet, with a serious knee injury sustained in training ruling him out for a large part of last season.

McAnuff, meanwhile, flourished on his return to the Breyer Group Stadium with the experienced midfielder establishing himself as a key member of the side under Justin Edinburgh, scoring six goals in 40 appearances in all competitions.

Gorman, who secured a move to Brisbane Road last month, praised the duo’s influence in the dressing room and can’t wait to play alongside them again.

“It’s brilliant to be back with them (McAnuff and Lee) again,” he said.

“They were two massive characters at Stevenage in the changing room and it’s great to have them around the changing room here, especially with their experience. Both of them have high quality and both have had brilliant careers.

“I’m hearing that they were really good last year and it doesn’t surprise me. I’m really looking forward to playing with them again.”

This season will be Gorman’s first experience of National League football, having spent the last three years playing with Stevenage in League Two, amassing over 70 appearances in all competitions for the club.

Some may have been surprised at the 22-year-old’s decision to drop down a division, but the midfielder has previously told the Guardian Series of his desire for a new challenge, speaking about how he almost moved to the Breyer Group Stadium on loan in January.

Orient finally got their man earlier this summer when Gorman penned a two-year deal with the club and the midfielder is fully aware of the challenges that the O’s could face this season.

He said: “The National League is no different to League 2. It’s a tough league. There are some very good teams in it.

“It’s a very tough league to get out of. We’ve got that pressure of being Leyton Orient as well because it’s such a big club. Teams want to come and beat us as they don’t want the big clubs doing well. But the lads in there will thrive off that pressure and give it a right go.”