Blues midfielder Idris El Mizouni was delighted that his loan side Leyton Orient confirmed promotion from League Two last night, despite losing 2-0 at Gillingham, but says he’ll be “fuming” if the O’s don’t carry off the title trophy.

The East Londoners are seven points clear of second-placed Northampton Town having played a game fewer than the Cobblers. They host Crewe, who are 16th, at Brisbane Road on Saturday.

The Tunisian international joined the O’s in August and has been a key man in their promotion push, scoring three goals in 37 starts and four sub appearances.

“Great, obviously we want to be champions, so hopefully on Saturday we can celebrate more,” the 22-year-old said when asked how his first promotion feels when being interviewed alongside veteran captain Darren Pratley.

“A great feeling, I’ve never experienced it before and hopefully the first of many like Darren Pratley!

“It was a great season, I think you could see from the outside that all the boys were connected. Me and Prats had a few five minutes but we got through it, so it’s alright now!

“It was a great season, I can’t name you one person I don’t get on well with and I think you could ask all the boys and no one could tell you one person they don’t get on with. A great group of lads and a great season.”

Pratley, 37, says Paris-born El Mizouni will go a long way in the game: “Like El Mizouni said, I think it’ll be the first of many, this boy’s going to go on and he’s going to play at the top.

“We’ve got to enjoy him now for the parties in the next couple of days and hopefully he can come back next season and we go again.”

El Mizouni, who is contracted to Town until the summer of 2024 with the club having an option for a further year, won’t be fully satisfied unless the O’s win the title.

“Hopefully Saturday, obviously we’re all buzzing but we need to keep our heads down and then play good on Saturday, get the three points and get over the line.

“Obviously we’re buzzing, we got promoted, but the main aim is to be champions because right now, if we’re not champions, I’d be fuming. Hopefully we’ll get over the line on Saturday.”

Photo: Action Images

BlueBlood90 added 11:56 - Apr 19 I think it would be wise to offer El Miz a new contract now and protect our interests. If we go up this season then it would make sense to let him stay there for another year in the league above and see how he develops.
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OldFart71 added 12:45 - Apr 19 Like so many before him and no doubt after El Miz has a long way to go before he can secure a place in a Town team. Many have high hopes, many fail. Some leave a club and go on to greatness. Some have the World as their oyster, but ultimately end up going from club to club but never after a great start achieve anything. This may or may not be the case with el Miz. Greatness doesn't always come without desire and hard work as with the David Beckhams of this World. He achieved his status from humble beginnings and whilst he's not everyone's cup of tea he has to be applauded for what he has achieved. Many could learn from him.

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markh123 added 13:20 - Apr 19 hi O's fan here and long time admirer of ITFC. Idris has been an integral part of the success of the team this year - and I'd love him to stay...If you gain that promotion (fingers crossed) I'm hoping he might stay with us (extended loan for a year's experince at L1 level?) but am not holding my breathe. Good luck with the rest of the season (although I'd desperately have loved a trip to Portman Road next season!!)

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IpswichT62OldBoy added 19:05 - Apr 19 Thanks Mark, El Miz has the right attitude, he will do well for someone, hopefully us, glad that it is you at the moment. Enjoy League One.
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WhoisJimmyJuan added 19:32 - Apr 19 Nice one markh123. Congrats on the promotion. For all the right reasons I hope we won't be playing you next year, but love the comment and intra-club fan talk. High five sir.
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Linkboy13 added 09:00 - Apr 20 I think the championship is going to be a massive challenge both physically and technically even for our current squad so it would be better for El Mizouni to stay where he's enjoying and playing regularly. McKenna and his coaching staff will access him in preseason to see how far he has developed.
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