LUKE Prosser hopes his lucky head-band can inspire Southend United to a shock FA Cup success against Hull City at Roots Hall on Saturday.

Blues have been beaten just once in 15 games since the in-form centre-back suffered a cut eyebrow against Mansfield Town in early November which needed to be covered.

And, despite not needing to actually wear the headband any longer, Prosser again looks set to wear it against the Premier League visits in a bid to maintain the Shrimpers’ run of good results.

“I’m not too sure if the head-band is lucky or not but I quite like wearing it now and everyone else likes me too as well,” said the in-form 25-year-old.

“It doesn’t look particularly pretty and, with this being a high-profile game, maybe I get a Mohawk or something special.

“But I’m used to the head-band now and, as the manager has told me, it’s a reminder that I need to just head and kick it clear all the time.

“Being a centre-back you also need to be prepared to get hurt and I’ve got no problem with that either.”

Prosser has established himself as a regular starter in the Shrimpers’ back four this season and the centre-back is currently enjoying the best form of his career.

The former Port Vale man had previously struggled to shine on a consistent basis.

But that has not been a problem this term, due to Prosser now having more belief in his ability.

“Getting the run of games has been a big help but I just think being more confident has helped me to play well,” said Prosser.

“The manager has helped me with that and we also do a lot of defensive work in training which makes us organised and hard to break down.

“There’s a real sense of togetherness at the club now too and we’re all ready for a big five months, starting with the game on Saturday.”

The FA Cup fourth round tie against the Tigers will also be the first time Prosser has faced a Premier League side.

And he cannot wait to test himself against Steve Bruce’s side.

“There’s a bit of an extra buzz around the training ground this week and we’re all looking forward to taking on a team as good as Hull,” said Prosser.

“There’s no real pressure on us, we want to go out there and enjoy what we will be a great occasion but we want to try and get a shock win too.”