For many inexperienced players coming into a side struggling at the wrong end of the table could be a daunting experience.

Throw in a manager who doesn’t speak English and you have a difficult situation for even the most experienced professional. But teenager Ryan Hedges has embraced the challenge and admitted he is loving every minute of his time at Orient following his debut in Saturday’s defeat at Colchester United.

The attacker said: “I have loved every minute of it. It’s a professional environment and that’s what I want to be a part of. I want to be playing in the Football League every week and hopefully I can do whether it’s at Orient or higher. I’m really happy where I am at the moment.

“It’s something I’m thriving on to be honest. I loved every minute of it and just want more now. I’ve had my taste and just want to carry on going.

"I think I did well when I had the ball and my link-up play was good. I got past my man a few times and got a few good balls in. I was unlucky with a shot so I think I’ve done well. We had a few half chances that I created so I think I did well.”

Hedges, who was one of the few bright spots during the O’s defeat, added: “Obviously I’m delighted to make my Football League debut but I think we could have nicked something out of this game. I’m disappointed as a team that we didn’t.”

The Swansea City youngster has only signed until the middle of next month but hopes he can maintain his place in the side and extend his loan for the remainder of the season.

He said: “If I can carry on this run in the team then hopefully my loan can be extended because that’s what I’m looking for. If I can carry on playing and help Orient climb the table that’s what I think I can do.”

Hedges has spent almost two weeks with the club and believes his teammates have more than enough ability to climb out of trouble and avoid relegation.

The 19-year-old said: “This club shouldn’t be where it is. Obviously there’s been a bit of transition with the managers and new staff coming in. They’re a great group of lads and if decisions go our way and we start turning draws, like against Preston, into wins I think we can climb the table.

“This team can push on and I really think it will. I’ve been training for over a week and I see the quality and commitment of the lads. They really shouldn’t be where they are but it’s up to us now to turn the results around and push up the table.”

Adapting to working under an Italian manager has been a challenge for everyone but Hedges insists the players do understand Fabio Liverani despite the language barrier.

“Obviously it’s a learning curve and that’s why I’m here for experience,” he said. “It is hard for him to get his point across every now and again but 90 per cent of the time we do know what he’s on about and he does get his point across.”

Playing senior football has been a completely different ball game to youth matches and the enthusiastic winger is embracing the chance to step up.

Hedges said: “The physicality is the biggest difference to youth football and it’s more competitive. That’s where I want to be. I want to be playing where every game matters and at this standard every match does count. Obviously in the position we’re in I’m thriving on it.”