FORMER Town midfielder Martin Ling admits Craig Easton would be a "major asset" to any side in League One after confirming the former Leyton Orient midfielder is in talks at the County Ground.

Orient manager Ling revealed Easton was no longer on the books at Brisbane Road after turning down a two-year contract and admitted his former club are leading the chase for his signature.

Ling, who made 188 appearances for the Town between 1991 to 1996, described Easton's departure as a blow to Orient's League One preparations and assured Town fans they would be getting a bargain.

Easton, who played at Dundee United under Town boss Paul Sturrock, has been a key figure in Ling's squad for the past two seasons but is now looking for a fresh challenge.

Ling said: "I don't offer players two-year contracts lightly so that says how highly I rate Craig.

"I have spoken to him and I know Swindon were interested in him and that he was going to enter into discussions with them.

"Paul Sturrock is the one who gave me a glowing reference of him when I signed him two years ago, so it comes as no surprise that he is interested in him."

Easton, 28, is a hard-working midfielder who enjoyed a nine-year spell at Dundee United, scoring 12 goals in 221 appearances.

He then spent the 2004/05 season with Livingston befor signing for Orient in 2005, where he made 68 appearances and scored five goals.

"I am very disappointed to lose him," said Ling.

"We took him from Scotland when no-one knew about him over here.

"He has had a very good two seasons with us and I haven't got a bad thing to say about him.

"Any club that he goes to will have got themselves a good player, who is full of hard work. He will be an asset to any side in League One."

Having escaped relegation from League One last season, Ling is relishing a return to his old stomping ground when the new campaign begins.

"It will be brilliant to return to the County Ground," said Ling.

"I had some great times there and that really is one game I am looking forward to.

"If Craig does sign for Swindon it will be good to catch up with him although I hope he has an off-day."

  • FORMER Town midfielder Scott Leitch has been appointed caretaker manager at Scottish Premier League outfit Motherwell, with a view to being assistant to a new manager.

Leitch, who managed Ross County last season, returns to his former club after the resignation of management duo Maurice Malpas and Paul Hegarty.