LEE CLARK has given Liam Ridehalgh a huge vote of confidence ahead of his third Town appearance at Leyton Orient tomorrow.

The Galpharm manager will be without experienced left-back Gary Naysmith for at least four months after the Scotland star underwent toe surgery.

But he says he’s more than happy with the performances so far of teenage rookie Ridehalgh – and has no immediate plans for a plunge into the loan market.

“Liam has looked confident and composed and I’m really pleased with the way he has tackled the challenge of first-team football,” said Clark of the 19-year-old academy product (pictured).

“He’s sensible enough to keep his feet on the ground, focus on doing the basic things well and strive for consistency in his performances.”

Clark has Under 21 duo Scott Arfield (Scotland) and Graham Carey (Republic of Ireland) available after they missed last week’s 2-2 home draw with Bournemouth.

And he also confirmed keeper Alex Smithies returned unscathed from duty with England Under 21s (he was on the bench as Lithuania were beaten at Colchester).

While Town are eighth in League I, just two points behind leaders Sheffield Wednesday, Orient are 20th after losing 2-0 at Dagenham and Redbridge.

But Clark isn’t reading anything into the early table, adding: “Orient have an experienced manager in Russell Slade and some very good players.”

Wednesday went down 1-0 at then-bottom side Brentford on Sunday, and Town’s boss admitted: “That shows what a tight division we’re in.

“You have to be switched on week in, week out, and we’re going to Orient wary of the danger they pose but determined to pick up three points.”

While long-term injury victims Naysmith, Nathan Clarke and Tom Clarke are Town’s only absentees, Orient have a doubt over left-back Charlie Daniels.

Sunderland loanee Michael Liddle this week returned to Wearside while one-time Town target Jonathan Tehoue is a worry because of a thigh problem.