DETERMINED Town chief Peter Jackson has challenged the returning Efe Sodje to inspire a third successive clean sheet at Southend tomorrow (3.00).

The 30-year-old Nigerian World Cup star is back in the starting line-up after a three-match suspension and a substitute appearance in Tuesday's 1-0 home win against Kidderminster.

While Town are relying on nine-goal Jon Stead to provide the fireworks up front, bandana-man Sodje is charged with blanking a Southend side without a win in six matches as he replaces suspended Paul Scott at Roots Hall.

"I've no doubt Efe will want to prove a point after being left out of the starting XI in midweek," said Jackson, who seems certain to make just the one change to a team 11th in Division III.

"He was disappointed, as you would expect, and I'm sure he'll be firing on all cylinders tomorrow when the whistle blows at 3.00.

"That's Efe's nature. He showed with a few of the headers and challenges he made after coming on against Kidderminster how determined he was and if he plays like he can tomorrow, he will be outstanding.

"It wouldn't surprise me if he turned in a man-of-the-match performance, but then the whole team are fired up and ready to go in search of a fourth straight win."

Town haven't achieved that since they were heading to the play-offs 18 months ago, but Jackson is keen to cash in before a clear week in the build-up to Torquay's visit to the McAlpine.

"We know we can improve on things as a team and, if we do, then we will be very hard to beat," he said.

"The lads are after the three points which can move us into a strong challenging place and spirits are obviously very good at the moment.

"We know we'll have another good following down there and if we are all coming back celebrating a win then I'll be absolutely delighted.

"We all know there's a lot of hard work to do first, though."

Town travelled South this morning with an 18-strong squad including former Southend defender Martyn Booty and midfielder Chris Holland, fit again after an Achilles problem.

Southend, bossed by ex-Doncaster player Steve Wignall, have Jimmy Corbett, their wing signing from Blackburn, available after a back injury and ex-Aston Villa striker Michael Husbands back after knee problems.

Dangerman is Brentford old boy Leon Constantine, who has netted four times in the last seven matches.

Southend (from): Flahavan, Stuart, Jupp, Cort, Warren, Fullarton, Maher, Gower, Corbett, Odunsi, Constantine, Bramble, Robinson, McSweeney, Broughton, Smith, Kightly, Husbands.

Town (probable): Gray, Holdsworth, Mirfin, Sodje, Yates, Carss, Fowler, Worthington, Schofield, Booth, Stead. Subs (from): Holland, Booty, Lloyd, Senior, Newby, Mattis, Clarke.

Referee: Lee Probert (Gloucestershire).

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