Alex Revell: Stevenage boss thrilled with Birmingham EFL Trophy draw

An own goal was enough to give Stevenage victory over Orient, and Revell said the only downside was that his team should have scored more.

However, he was delighted with the performances of players returning from injury, which gave him greater competition for places in the League One competition.

“Players need to feel that people are behind them and those who are in the team need to make sure their performances are up to par, otherwise (other) players will join in,” he said.

“Luis has been relentless and now Jamie Reid knows he’ll be back – and that’s great because it helps Jamie Reid get the best of him.

“(Dan Sweeney and Charlie Goode) are competing for the same position, but when they get on the field together, they have been outstanding.”

Goode has been sidelined since breaking his leg in a 2-0 defeat at Exeter City on September 21. It was only his sixth appearance for the club.

He also told BBC Three Counties Radio that his return to action was “long overdue”.

The 29-year-old said: “It’s a long road, I’ve worked really hard. I did everything in my power to come back as soon as I can. And when you come back and win and keep a clean sheet, it’s worth the wait.

“I’ve felt ready for this for a few weeks and to do it in such a competitive game, I can’t wait to go now. I desperately wanted to help the guys and now I can, I’m excited to be back.”

Stevenage are currently 16th in League One and are due to travel to Barnsley in the play-offs on Saturday before traveling to North Wales to face third-placed Wrexham next Tuesday.