SOUTHEND United centre-back Ryan Cresswell will battle with Bradford City tomorrow, despite suffering from flu.

But the defender is determined to ensure it is the Bantams feeling sick as a parrot at the final whistle.

Cresswell was almost forced to miss Tuesday night's FA Cup replay against Bury through illness.

However, he is eager to stay in the side and help Blues pick up more good results.

“I don't feel too well but you just have to get on with it and battle through because I'm not going to miss any games because of being unwell,” said Cresswell.

“It's a very big game tomorrow too so I certainly don't want to miss out and hopefully I'll be able to help the team pick up another three points.”

But Cresswell knows Bradford will be tough opponents this weekend.

The 24-year-old has been studying footage of the Bantams' game against Arsenal which was shown on Sky Sports.

And he is fully aware of where their main threats lie.

“I've been watching the game and their front two are very lively so we're going to have to be on form defensively,” said Cresswell.

“Plenty of their play goes through the big lad James Hanson and Nehki Wells benefits from that.

“He's got a lot of goals but it's tough to learn too much from the game on Tuesday because they're playing against Arsenal.

“That's not a normal game for them and they will play differently against us but we had a good win on Tuesday too so we'll both be full of confidence.”

Blues beat Bury on a penalty shoot out during the week, after the game had ended 1-1.

And Cresswell was a relieved man after his error led to the Shakers taking the lead.

“I was very happy when we got through because I made a bad mistake which there can be no excuses for,” said the defender.

“It was just a bad pass on my behalf which sent the lad through but thankfully the lads showed good character to come back and win the tie to get me out of a big hole.”