SIMON Cox will clock up a century of appearances for Southend United should he figure against Brentford tonight.

The striker’s appearance at Plymouth Argyle on Saturday was his 99th for the Shrimpers.

And Blues boss Chris Powell knows the 31-year-old will want to celebrate his landmark display with his first goal of the season.

“Coxy will want to get off the mark and it would be nice for him to do it in his 100th game whenever that is,” said Powell.

“It could be tonight against Brentford or it could be against Bradford City on Saturday, but he’s been good.”

Cox lined up in a slightly deeper role against Plymouth at the weekend.

And Powell was pleased with how the striker performed.

“Coxy did a really good job for us out of possession at the weekend,” said Powell.

“In possession he was good with our link-up play and trying to start attacks.

“I know he wants to score lots of goals and I want him to as well so hopefully he’ll be off the mark soon.

“Theo Robinson and Tom Hopper have got their first goal and so has Jason Demetriou, who scored a few for us last season.

“Hopefully Coxy is about to follow suit.”

Cox - who signed a new contract in the summer - joined Blues in the summer of 2016.

The ex-Republic of Ireland international has netted 26 goals in 99 games for the Shrimpers and has been top scorer in both of his seasons so far at Roots Hall.

Cox is not certain to figure tonight but will face a former team if he does having spent time on loan at Brentford in 2006.