Leyton Orient manager Richie Wellens has apologised to Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou for a comment mocking the Australian's recent injury complaints.

Wellens was speaking to the media on Saturday evening after watching his side lose 1-0 to Stockport County in League One. After the final whistle, Wellens was asked if the injuries to Sean Clare and Omar Beckles were causing the Os to struggle at present, to which the 44-year-old replied: "I'm not Ange Postecoglou, [who] keeps using it as an excuse."

Those comments caused plenty of controversy especially considering Orient have goalkeeper Josh Keeley and striker Jamie Donley on their books this season from Tottenham. Later on Saturday evening, Wellens chose to retract his comments and apologise to Postecoglou.

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In a statement on the Leyton Orient website, Wellens said: "After today’s game, I was asked about the injuries within our squad and, without thinking, I made a stupid comment about Tottenham Hotspur. That comment was brought to my attention later in the evening and having watched my interview back I am deeply embarrassed and regret what I said.

"At Leyton Orient, we have a strong relationship with Tottenham Hotspur and it was never my intention to say anything that would jeopardise that. Their manager, Ange Postecoglou, is a world-class coach and I want to apologise for my comments and wish Spurs all the very best for the second half of the season."

Spurs currently have eight first team players out of their squad due to injury but moved up to 14th in the league table on Sunday after recording a 2-0 away win against Brentford - their first Premier League victory since a 5-0 win at Southampton on December 15.