Albion sit top of Southern Group C heading into the match with six points from two games, but Rusk says there is still plenty at stake for his young team going into the match in east London.
He said, “I’m not viewing it that we’re pretty much through. We’ll have to play very well but we can have confidence going into the game.
“We’ve scored four goals in the competition already, which puts ourselves in a positive position, and we certainly won’t be taking anything for granted.
“We’re expecting a very tough evening at Leyton Orient, and we need to be ready for it if we want to go through. I feel that the boys deserve to qualify based on what they’ve done in the competition so far, but it’s still all to play for going into the last game.
“We’re a young team at the moment, but whatever side is put out on the pitch will roll their sleeves up and give it a good go.”
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The under-23 coach praised his side for their two performances against AFC Wimbledon and Southend United in the competition to date, and says these games are ideal tests of his players’ physical attributes.
“It’s a great achievement for us to be in this position, and now we want to finish the job. The Wimbledon and Southend games were very good for us, but now we’ve got to play another 90 minutes plus the possibility of penalties, so we’ll need to be ready.
“In these games, there will always be moments where physicality tells, but you have to find ways to be successful in any game of football.
“These games provide you with different problems that you’ve got to solve as a team, and it’s all about showing desire and concentration.”