JASON Demetriou is hoping Cyprus’ loss will be Southend United’s gain this weekend.

The Shrimpers right-back is currently serving an international suspension after collecting two yellow cards and will miss his country’s World Cup qualifier against Estonia on Saturday.

But the ban means Demetriou will be free to figure for Blues.

And, after making a big impression as a substitute in a 3-2 win against Walsall last time out, the 29-year-old is desperate to figure against the Dons.

“Obviously I want to start and hopefully I did enough after coming on last week for that to happen as well,” said Demetriou.

“If I hadn’t been suspended for Cyprus this weekend it would have been a game I missed for Southend but it’s win, win for me really.

“I’m happy to be able to play for Southend and it’s another big game for us too.”

Blues will be looking to strengthen their push for the play-offs with another three points at Kingsmeadow.

But Demetriou believes the Shrimpers will need to be at their best to win, despite the Dons’ mid-table position.

“Anyone can beat anyone in this league and you have to make sure you’re bang on it if you’re going to get the victories, especially against the teams slightly lower down,” said the defender.

“Sometimes when you’re playing a top six team there’s more of a a buzz and an atmosphere but we will have to be equally as up for it on Saturday and make sure we’re at our best.”

Blues will also be going into the game full of confidence after coming from 2-0 down to see off Walsall last Saturday.

Demetriou came off the bench to play a pivotal role in the comeback against his former team.

And he is now keen for the Shrimpers to build on their dramatic triumph.

“The Walsall game was mad, “said the right-back who made 53 appearances for the Saddlers last term.

“I was fired up when I came on and it was a great team effort to get back in the game.

“I like to get forward and I thought it worked really well with John (White) and I playing together.

“I was also happy to get back out there again after the ankle injury I had made me miss out against Coventry.

“Thankfully it wasn’t anything serious and hopefully I’ll have a part to play this week too.”