BARRY HEARN is optimistic that Orient can maintain their promotion push over the second half of the season.

The O's chairman watched his side defeat fellow promotion contenders Tranmere Rovers on Tuesday night and he is confident the Londoners can keep on surprising people.

Orient were favourites for the drop with the bookmakers at the start of the season, but they have made a mockery of those predictions, not dropping below seventh in the League One table at any stage this term.

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Hearn said: "We might, just might, cause a few surprises at the tail-end of the season and if Martin needs anybody, he can have him.

"The point I want to make to the fans is we have got the best squad we have had here for 15 years and we have a chance. For Martin to get us into that position means that if he comes to me and wants x, y and z, he will get it.

"But don't confuse realism with a lack of optimism. We are keeping our feet on the floor, because we have a plan and we know where we are taking this club. We've got exciting times ahead - hopefully for this season.

"But, if not, we are going to be in a very, very good position for next season.

"I want to achieve, but I'm not going to go skint doing it. Fortunately, I have got one of the best managers in league football who understands my philosophy and I understand his. We are making progress and that is not to be ignored.

"But it doesn't mean that we don't have ambitions for this season, because trust me, we do, and we may yet surprise a lot of people."

Manager Martin Ling, meanwhile, revealed he has been happy with his January shopping to date.

He has already extended Andy Barcham's loan from Totteham Hotspur and brought Sam Oji to the club on a six-month contract, but he is still in the market for a powerful frontman.

Ling said: "I was delighted to wrap up the two signings this week and they will add a lot of quality to our squad for the second half of the campaign.

"My main target now is to bring in a big, powerful striker and, when that happens, I believe the jigsaw will be complete."