Victory over Shrewsbury took Orient back into League One’s top two - and these are ‘special times at the football club’ according to manager Russell Slade.

He called last night’s 2-0 success at Greenhous Meadow a ‘big victory’.

Cold Tuesday nights in mid-winter will decide where we are in the summer.

“This is how we need to be performing now. To take two wins and a draw away from home over Christmas is superb.”

The O’s boss has bolstered his squad with four loan signings already this transfer window – Hull goalkeeper Eldin Jakupovic, midfielder Jamie Ness from Stoke and strikers Jamar Loza and Shaquile Coulthirst from Norwich and Spurs respectively.

He is still looking for an experienced striker but the renewed strength of his squad has left a smile on the 53-year-old’s face.

“It’s nice to look at the bench and think about the options I have,” Slade said.

“We might be close to having Romain Vincelot and David Mooney back against Crewe (January 18), so we’re looking good at the moment.”

Slade reserved special praise for debutants Loza and Jakupovic.

Loza set up Odubajo’s opening goal with a clever through ball and Jakupovic kept a clean sheet hours after signing on loan.

Loza’s got loads of potential and I’m really pleased with his contribution.

“It was a great ball to Mo. It can be difficult to adjust coming from the under-21s, but he did really well. Mo’s pace took him into the right area, I don’t think anyone else in the team would have got to that ball.

“Jakupovic didn’t have a great deal to do, but looked very composed.”

On Saturday Orient play their first home match since Christmas with Carlisle the opponents.