Justin Edinburgh praised Marvin Ekpiteta’s professionalism after the Leyton Orient centre back was named as the National League’s Player of the Month last week.

Ekpiteta has put in a series of impressive performances since replacing the injured George Elokobi against Ebbsfleet United in August, forging a strong partnership with Josh Coulson at the back.

The 22-year-old was excellent for the O’s once again on Saturday against Maidenhead and pulled off a superb goal saving tackle to prevent Ryan Bird from having a tap-in mid-way through the first half.

It has been a remarkable 12 months for the centre-back, who was working as a teaching assistant while playing for East Thurrock United in the National League South last year.

He joined the O’s in January and was meant to spend the rest of last season on loan with East Thurrock, but was recalled in March, making his debut against Dover Athletic.

The centre-back enjoyed an impressive run in the side towards the end of last season and has built on those strong displays this campaign, becoming one of Orient’s most consistent performers.

Those displays haven’t gone unrecognised either, with Ekpiteta being handed his maiden England C call-up by Paul Fairclough and he could make his debut against Estonia’s Under-23s at the Breyer Group Stadium tomorrow. 

Things got even better for the 22-year-old when he was named as the National League’s Player of the Month on Friday, and O’s head coach Edinburgh was ‘delighted’ to see Ekpiteta gain recognition for his consistent performances in an Orient shirt.

Speaking after Saturday’s win over Maidenhead, Edinburgh said: “I’m absolutely delighted for Marvin. First and foremost, he’s a sound young professional. His appetite and hunger for every day of training is remarkable.

“It’s a really good story as he’s got rejected, gone back out and worked his way through the Non-Leagues and his performances speak for themselves with him winning the League’s Player of the Month and getting back-to-back Player of the Month awards for the O’s. I’m really pleased for him as he’s a top kid and will only go further.”

Edinburgh also confirmed that the centre-back would be available for Orient's match against Hartlepool United on Saturday.

On Orient's international call-ups, the O's head coach said: “We’ll lose Dale (Gorman) for the forthcoming fixture with Hartlepool. With Marvin and maybe Josh, they’ll meet up with England C but they’ll be back with us for Hartlepool. So we’ll only lose Dale over the period of time."