ROB Kiernan believes Southend United are ready to end a week’s worth of hurt when they host Rochdale at Roots Hall tonight.

The Shrimpers saw their seven match unbeaten run ended in a disappointing circumstances at bottom of the table Torquay United last weekend.

But Kiernan, who is on loan at Blues from Wigan Athletic, insists Phil Brown’s side are now determined to put things right this evening.

“We’re all still hurting about what happened at Torquay last week but we can’t afford to dwell on it so it’s now all about making sure we go again and get on another good run,” said Kiernan.

“We’re not really too worried about what happened but we need to get back to playing well if we are going to beat Rochdale.”

Blues slipped from third in the League Two table down to seventh following their 1-0 defeat at Plainmoor and they are now locked level on 33 points with eighth placed Rochdale.

However, the impressive Kiernan is keen to open up a gap.

And he believes finally feeling settled has enabled him to find his best form with Blues.

“I’ve had a few loan spells in my career but they’ve been shorter than this one and it’s hard when it’s like that,” said Kiernan, 22.

“You’re in for a few games and the manager might want to plan for the future but knows you’re going in a couple of weeks.

“You need to be settled in somewhere and I’m at the age now where that’s what I want and it’s what I got at Southend.”

Kiernan has now made 13 appearances for the Shrimpers, more than he has previously played for any other club.

The defender had previously enjoyed eight previous loan spells and he feels playing matches is what all young players should be looking to do.

“If you’re not playing then you’re a nobody in football to be honest,” said Kiernan.

“I know plenty of good young players who are sat in the stands when it comes to a Saturday and I just don’t see the point of that.”

Kiernan’s deal with Blues is due to expire after the trip to Plymouth Argyle at the start of January.

And, despite having held talks with new Wigan boss Uwe Rosler, the centre back does not know where he will be during the second half of the season.

“I’ve spoken to the manager a few times and he’s someone I already know from my time at Brentford,” said Kiernan.

“He said to come back in January to talk about things and then we’ll go from there.

“We’ll have to wait and see what happens but I would like to come back to Southend if I could.”

Blues boss Brown has already enquired about extending Kiernan’s loan and would love to keep him at the club until the end of the season.

“I would say we’ve had positive discussions about Rob’s future and of course we want him to stay because he’s a big player for us, “said Brown.

“We have him until the Plymouth game so Wigan might be able to do some business before then.

“But if it’s looking like he will have to go back then we will also look at doing some business and bringing in someone else.”