Russell Slade insists left back is Leyton Orient priority but hasn't ruled out a return for Queens Park Rangers winger Lee Cook
3:16pm Wednesday 8th February 2012 in Latest Football News By Matt Bass
Russell Slade says a left back is Leyton Orient's priority in the loan market. Picture: Action Images
O’s boss Russell Slade has not ruled out a return for Lee Cook now that the loan market has opened for business again, but stressed he has other priorities to consider first.
The Queens Park Rangers winger spent two months on loan at Brisbane Road this season, netting once during his stay before returning to the Premier League side.
Cook however, has been unable to force his way into Mark Hughes’ thinking at Loftus Road and, in a recent interview with Sky Sports, admitted he would be looking for another switch.
Slade conceded another move for Cook “is a possibility” although made it clear that there are other priorities for him to consider first, starting with solving the problem position of left back.
Since the departure of Charlie Daniels to Bournemouth, loan signings Tony Craig and Adam Chicksen have offered a temporary solution, while Leon McSweeney has more recently filled the berth.
And Slade highlighted this area of the pitch as his priority to address.
The manager explained: “You would never rule somebody of Cookie’s calibre and ability out, even though we have got (Dean) Coxy fit again.
“It is something that is a possibility. The only thing I would say on that is that he may well have a couple of Championship clubs keen on him. Again, there will be competition for him to be honest.
“But, as I say, I have to prioritise. We don’t want to continue the season without an orthodox left back really. There is a list of priorities.”
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