PATIENCE paid off for Darren Currie (pictured above) on Saturday as he returned to the Daggers starting line-up and helped fire them to their first win of the season, writes Iain Liddle.

Replacing the more defensively-minded Stuart Lewis, with Peter Gain moving into the centre of midfield, Currie and Danny Green’s dual wing threat exposed a narrow Leyton Orient formation.

“Things have been going pretty well in the reserve games and my fitness is a lot better than it was last season,” said the 35-year-old.

“I had a difficult time last season with the travelling, as I was commuting a lot, but I’ve moved back down now and got a pre-season under my belt.

“I’ve had to be patient and knocked on the door. I did a little bit at Charlton on Tuesday and forced my way in.

“I knew it was a crucial game for me personally as well as the team, so I tried my best and thankfully it’s gone well.”

With his starting berth restored, Currie is now keen to show the Daggers supporters the true extent of his talent.

“I haven’t done anywhere near what I’m capable of since I’ve been here,” he said.

“It’s been a bit stop-start, but I’ve spoke at length with the manager about last season and this pre-season and I think fitness is the key.

“I’m still confident in my ability, but it was my fitness which needed to improve and I think I’ve had a good pre-season, which helped, and the manager told me to be patient which is the one thing I’ve never been very good at.

“But it’s paid off and I’ve been involved in a fantastic result.”