Leyton Orient manager Richie Wellens praised centre-back Rarmani Edmonds-Green after he claimed a goal and an assist in his first game for more than a year.

Edmonds-Green ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee against Doncaster Rovers last October.

But, despite not having played any first-team football in 385 days, he was selected to start against Cambridge United on Saturday - and instantly repaid Wellens' faith with the opening goal, 32 minutes into the game.

He also set up the second for Jaze Kabia, before coming off 10 minutes into the second half, as Orient went on to win 3-0.

"It's been a long, hard road back for him," Wellens told BBC Radio London.

"We toyed with the idea of loaning him out to a National League club for a month just to get him games.

"Will [Forrester]'s injury has given him an opportunity. He's trustworthy, he makes good decisions, he's strong aerially - I didn't think he was going to score a goal but the whole group couldn't be more pleased for him."

Wellens said he could empathise with Edmonds-Green, having suffered a similar injury in 2012.

He also said the 27-year-old's return would be managed carefully.

"When you first come back you're running on adrenaline and your first two or three appearances are pretty good ones," the O's boss said.

"It's the four, fifth, sixth and seventh appearances where you can fall off the edge of a cliff.

"We'll look after him this week. Obviously he was struggling at half-time."