Sam Howes wants to be number one for Leyton Orient

The 25-year-old goalkeeper has joined the League One outfit on a two-year deal from National League side Wealdstone for an undisclosed fee.

And the England C international is keen to make his mark at Brisbane Road.

“When I first heard of the interest from Orient, I wanted to pursue it,” he told the club website.

“Leyton Orient had a really successful season, and hopefully this one can be too.

“My super strength is shot-stopping, but over the years I’ve progressed with my feet as well. I feel comfortable with the ball at my feet.

“You have to be good with your feet, and this has certainly helped land this move for me.

“I want to come into the set-up and impress, and try to kick on again. I want to push to be the number one, and continue to improve my game.”

Howes began his career at West Ham United and was their Young Hammer of the Year in 2014, when he also helped England win the European U17 Championships with a penalty shoot-out success against the Netherlands.

He went to gain England U18 and U19 honours – having also played at U16 level – and after a spell in Watford’s academy, played for Woking, Dorking and Horsham before joining Wealdstone.

O’s head coach Richie Wellens added: “Sam will come in and complement Rhys Byrne and another goalkeeper who we can’t announce yet.

“Sam has a great background in his career, coming through at West Ham, and he dropped out of the professional game to get competitive experience and had a really good season with Wealdstone last year.

“Roycey [Simon Royce] has been really impressed with him in meetings and in training. He’s a confident lad and will bring great characteristics into our group.”

Howes will be amongst the O’s travelling to Essex as the pre-season schedule gets underway at Billericay Town on Friday (July 7).