Leyton Orient: Steve Davis praises Romuald Boco for heroics from the bench

The 32-year-old has had to make do with a bit-part role this season, often being deployed from the bench late in games.

It is a role he has fulfilled well and he has twice entered the fray to score for the O’s, much to the delight of Davis.

“We know Boco can always do that so we’re always reluctant to have him on the bench. It depends what we need,” Davis said.

“It’s good for him. He is an experienced player that has been around and scored previously. He’s got a good record of scoring and making goals.

“He is watching the game and looking at how he can affect it and he did exactly that, which is why you bring him on.”

Boco played behind the strikers after coming on in the 72nd minute and did well to burst beyond the forwards when scoring his goal.

Davis was impressed with the manner in which Boco took his goal and praised the midfielder.

He said: “Boco was playing in behind with Craig Clay and Macauley Bonne but made a terrific run gambling that he would flick it on, which he did.

“He took it round the defender and slotted it away really well.”

Like any footballer Boco is not fully satisfied with a role on the bench and would like to make an imp[act from the off rather than later in games.

He does, however, accept that Davis’ decision to start others ahead of him was one based on footballing reasons and he is happy to make the most of the limited chances he has been granted.

“It was not easy when I came in because the team was doing well and had won a lot of games at the beginning of the season,” Boco said.

“I couldn’t start because the team were winning and still he (Davis) put me in. It was his decision but it wasn’t fair.

“If I was playing well and the manager changes the team I’d be upset, so he had to put the player back and obviously it is so nice to the manager believes in me.

“He keeps putting me in the team and giving me a chance. I know I can do better and need to work on my fitness.”