SIMON DAWKINS and Paul Terry will not face lengthy spells on the sidelines, despite leaving Brisbane Road on crutches last Wednesday following the friendly against Tottenham Hotspur.

The pair were both substituted during the game and missed Saturday's fixture at Stevenage, but manager Martin Ling has revealed that they are not far away from fitness already.

Dawkins, on loan from Spurs, left the pitch on a stretcher against his parent club but his ankle injury is not as bad as first feared.

The O's boss was also boosted by return of defenders Tamika Mkandawire and Alton Thelwell from injury this week, and they both started at Broadhall Way.

"Paul Terry could probably have played at Stevenage at a push and Simon Dawkins isn't too far away either," said Ling.

"He might not make Saturday, but it's nowhere near as bad as we thought it was when he was carried off on a stretcher.

"As long as we don't pick up any injuries in training during the week, we're looking OK for the start of the season."