EAST Thurrock United manager John Coventry admits he is in the dark over the future of defender Michael Clark after he was recalled by parent club Leyton Orient.

Clark, 19, was recalled by the League Two club at 12:30pm on Saturday, just two-and-a-half hours before he was set to line up for Rocks against Hungerford Town.

The defender, who is yet to make a senior appearance for Orient, was an unused substitute in the 2-0 defeat at Mansfield Town, with new manager Danny Webb, formerly of Southend United, assessing his options.

And Coventry said he will continue to ‘muddle along’ without Clark all the while he could return to the fold.

“Clarky is due back in training tonight,” he said. “Having said that, the situation at Orient means it could change. We are in the dark and we understand they have their own things to sort out and we are not high up on that list.

“If we knew there was no chance of him playing we would be looking at bringing in an alternative but if he can return I want to leave the door open for him.

“So we will muddle along for now.

“Clarky has been brilliant for us and if the lad has an opportunity there then no one would be more pleased than us.”

Clark was missed as Rocks fell to a 3-0 defeat at Hungerford Town on Saturday in the National League South.

And Coventry said his options are thin on the ground.

“We were well beaten and it could have been worse,” he said. “We have seven players that could play in my back four and I had one available.

“We have had Clarky since day one and you take it for granted that he will be there.”