It’s fair to say it’s been a remarkable 12 months for Leyton Orient’s Marvin Ekpiteta.

Rewind to October 2017 and the O’s centre back was working as a teaching assistant, a role he combined with playing semi-professional football at East Thurrock United in the National League South.

The 22-year-old had to learn the hard way following his release from Oxford United as a youngster, representing the likes of Chelmsford City as well as Concord Rangers following his departure, but his hopes of becoming a professional footballer were reignited when the O’s swooped to sign him in January.

It seemed he would have to wait a little while longer to make the grade in East London when he was immediately loaned back to East Thurrock, but he was recalled by head coach Justin Edinburgh at the start of March, making his debut against Dover Athletic.

The 22-year-old had to wait patiently before he could make his home debut, which came against Barrow in April, and he hasn’t looked back since, with the centre-back capitalising on George Elokobi’s injury against Ebbsfleet United in August to nail down a regular place in Orient’s starting line-up.

While the likes of Macauley Bonne, Josh Koroma and Jobi McAnuff have grabbed the headlines, centre-back Ekpiteta has arguably been one of the O’s most consistent performers this season and has chipped in with some crucial goals against the likes of Gateshead as well as Braintree Town.

His excellent form was rewarded last week when he was handed his maiden England C call-up for their match against Estonia’s Under-23s on Wednesday, October 10 and he could make his debut in familiar territory, with the match set to be played at the Breyer Group Stadium.

For Ekpiteta, there wouldn’t be a better place for him to make his England C debut and the centre-back says he is proud of his progression in the last 12 months.

Asked about his England C call-up, Ekpiteta said: “I’m very proud actually because it’s happened so quickly in a short space of time. This time last year, I was playing part-time and working. So much has happened since then and it’s been really good.

“I didn’t expect it to come so soon to be fair. I’ve been playing well, so I’ve always had a feeling that it could somehow come up.

“It would be perfect if I could make my debut at home. Hopefully some of the supporters will be there as well and obviously all the players and staff will be there too. So, it would be perfect if I could make my debut in front of them.”

There will be a familiar face in the England C squad for Ekpiteta, with O’s youngster Koroma also being called up for the match against Estonia’s Under-23s.

Koroma made his England C debut back in May, having caught the eye towards the end of last season after scoring three goals in his last six games.

The 19-year-old enjoyed a prolific pre-season for the O’s and has started the campaign in fine form, with the versatile youngster playing up top alongside Bonne.

Koroma’s talent was further showcased when he superbly lobbed Braintree goalkeeper Ben Killup from 25-yards to score the O’s third against the Essex side last week and Ekpiteta is pleased to have a familiar face in the England squad.

He said: “It would be good to play with him (Koroma) again. He’s been doing really well. He’s another young boy who has come through and stamped down a place in the team and he’s keeping his shirt now.”