Omer Riza believes it will only be a matter of time before other clubs start looking at Josh Koroma following his strong start to the season with Leyton Orient.

The youngster has been revitalised under Justin Edinburgh since the 48-year-old was appointed as the O’s head coach last November, with the academy graduate proving himself to be one of the finest young talents in the National League.

Koroma has flourished in a more advanced role during the early weeks of the campaign, scoring three goals, including a delightful lob against Braintree Town, so far.

He came into the campaign following a prolific pre-season, which saw him net seven goals in five games, and his form saw him rewarded with a new two-year contract at Brisbane Road in August.

Also capable of playing as a winger, the 19-year-old’s trickery makes him a handful for opposition defenders, with the academy graduate earning Orient a penalty against Boreham Wood after beating Ricky Shakes for pace.

Former O’s boss Riza knows only too well about Koroma’s ability, having worked closely with the youngster during his time at the club, and feels the 19-year-old will always be dangerous if his mind is right.

Asked about Koroma, Riza said: “He played as a striker when Danny Webb was in charge and I was his assistant. He scored a hat-trick at Newport and he was playing up front that game. Josh has got the qualities to play as a striker or on the wing or in behind the front two.

“With Josh if his mind is right, then he’s always going to be dangerous. At the time I had Josh, I think he got a little bit pulled into or sucked into what the senior players were getting up to. He maybe wasn’t able to focus as much as he would have liked and Danny Webb had left at the time as well, which maybe affected him and I understood that as a young lad.

“Whereas other youngsters were able to get on with it and knuckle down, he wasn’t able to at that time. I’d like to think that I tried to give him some harsh lessons which he probably hasn’t forgiven me for.

“It’s lovely to see Josh out there playing. He’s a young lad and wants to play and progress. I’m sure if he continues, there will be people looking at him. But if not, then he will continue on his journey at Orient and continue to do well.”